Pakistan outplay Sri Lanka in blind cricket opener

Our correspondent

LAHORE: Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets in 21.3 overs to spare in the opening one-dayer of the three match series at MCA Ground, Colombo.

According to information available here Pakistan won the toss and put Sri Lanka into bat. Pakistan bowled well and restricted the formidable Sri Lankan batting to a minnow total. Sri Lanka was bowled out on 216 runs in 31.5 overs. Saman Kumara was the leading scorer for Sri Lanka with 42 runs and Silva made 26.

The debutant rookie fast bowler Fakhar Abbas (Totally Blind B1) made his strong impression in the very first game he played for Pakistan, by claiming 3 wickets and other debutant and Shahzaib Hyder claimed 2 wickets, they collectively took 5 wickets of Sri Lanka. Badar Munir also bowled beautifully to get 2 wickets. Requiring 217 runs to win in allotted 40 overs, Pakistan Team got remarkable opening stand from Mohsin Khan and Ayub Khan.

Pakistan lost their first wicket in 11th over at the score of 112 when Moshin Khan got out after scoring 69. Riasat Khan also fell cheaply and Pakistan was on 136 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 13 overs. There came, Badar Munir and toiled Sri Lanka bowling attack, he scored his 50 runs off just 18 balls. Pakistan chased the target off 217 runs in just 18.3 overs for the loss of 2 wickets. Pakistan won by 8 wickets and 21.3 overs to spare. Badar Munir remained unbeaten on 64* runs and Ayub Khan played sheet anchor role from the other side and scored 55* runs not out. Man of the Match was later awarded to Badar Munir. The 2nd ODI of the series will be played on Friday (February 22).