Pakistan, Sri Lanka off to winning start in T20 Blind World Cup

LAHORE: Pakistan and Sri Lanka made winning start in the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup when they won their respective matches here on Saturday.

In the first match here at the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground in DHA, Pakistan defeated South Africa by eight wickets.

Batting first after winning the toss, South Africa posted 129 runs for seven wickets in their 20 overs. Lesedi Lesufi scored 24 while Edrich Ter Haa contributed 17. For Pakistan Babar Ali picked up two wickets.

In reply, Pakistan chased down the target in just 10.3 overs losing just two wickets. Opener Naimatullah led the charge with an explosive 59 off 31 balls while Zafar contributed 33.

At the Saeed Sports City Ground, Sri Lanka secured a commanding 70-run victory over Nepal.

After being invited to bat Sri Lanka amassed 195 for four in 20 overs.

Opener Damith Sandaruwan smashed the first century of the World Cup, remaining unbeaten on 100.

Maduwantha made 23. Nepal, in response, managed 125 for 8 in their allotted overs. Durga Datta scored 24 while Naresh added 23 to their total.

On Sunday (today) Sri Lanka will face Afghanistan at the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground while Bangladesh will take on Nepal at Saeed Sports City.