We’ll go all out to beat Pakistan at Gujranwala, says Nepal blind cricketer

LAHORE: Pakistan blind team initiated its World Cup campaign with a comprehensive nine wickets win over Bangladesh in the opening match of the mega event here at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.

In the other match of the fifth edition of the World Cup Cricket for Blind also being held in the UAE, India and Australia were playing at Sharjah was called off due to rain and both the teams were awarded one point each.

Winning the toss, Pakistan invited Bangladesh to take the crease and made a quick work of the rivals. Pakistan were given a target of 208 after Bangladesh put in the score in the 40-overs game.

The hosts chased down the total in 17 overs, driven by a brilliant century by Badar Munir, who was named Man of the Match for his quickfire 145.The tournament includes teams from cricket-playing nations such as Australia, England and India. However, only teams from Bangladesh and Nepal have agreed to play in Pakistan for now, while matches with other countries are scheduled to be held in UAE.

The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council was forced to change the schedule of the World Cup after the Indian government earlier this month refused to grant permission to its team to travel to Pakistan for the matches.

India and Pakistan will face off in Ajman, UAE on January 12. The final of the tournament will be held on January 19 in Sharjah.However, Pakistan’s blind cricket team travelled to India for last year’s inaugural Twenty20 World Cup that was won by the host nation.

At Ajman Oval Cricket Ground Sharjah, Australia won the toss and decided to bat first. Australia had scored 26 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in just 3.1 overs when it started rain heavily in Ajman. The groundsmen tried their best to make it playable but the wet outfield didn’t allow resuming match.

Nathan Letts was playing at 12 runs. Pritchard and Nero got out after scoring 2 runs and 6 runs respectively. Rambir claimed 1 wicket. The game was called off and both team got 1 point each. On Tuesday Sri Lanka will take on Australia at Ajman Oval.

APP adds: Nepal blind cricket team’s all-rounder Radragha said on Monday that his team will go all out to beat Pakistan in Tuesday’s match of the World Blind Cricket Cup at Gujranwala.“Pakistan is the favourite team of the event and definitely we will be facing a tough challenge from the home side but we are quite determined to defy Pakistan in the match with collective efforts and hard work,” he told APP here on Monday.

He said they have set their goals in the world cup and they will be exhibiting their best perform to outshone a fancied opponent (Pakistan).“Every team taking part in the World Cup aims to perform to higher level to win the title and we have the similar intentions and thoughts and we are going all out to strike a win against Pakistan “,he said.

Nepal team player said his side has worked really hard to throw a strong challenge in the Cup.The Nepal teams all rounder termed Pakistan and India “favourites” to win the Cup.He was of the view if India reaches the final it will not visit Pakistan to play the most important match. He urged the Indian side to play Pakistan at the Pakistani soil in the larger interest of blind cricket.