Cricket
Motie and Athapaththu named ICC Players of the Month for May
Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday (June 13, 2024) revealed the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for May 2024 as Gudakesh Motie of the West Indies and Chamari Athapaththu of Sri Lanka.Left-arm spinner Motie was inspirational as the West Indies enjoyed a promising build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a convincing series win over touring South Africa, while Sri Lankan skipper Athapaththu celebrates her second ICC Women’s Player of the Month after starring in her side’s surge to qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh later this year.ICC Men’s Player of the Month Motie wins the accolade for the very first time, and claims the award following impressive wicket-taking exploits in the West Indies T20I series triumph.The 29-year-old becomes the second West Indies winner of the men’s prize, following in the footsteps of teammate Shamar Joseph who was crowned back in January. During May, Motie took eight wickets at an average of 8.50 across the three-match series in Jamaica, as the islanders gathered valuable momentum in the lead up to their T20 World Cup campaign.Defending a score of 175 in the first contest, Motie played a pivotal part in restricting South Africa’s middle order charge, with his three for 25 including the prized wicket of the dangerous Rassie van der Dussen.With a higher total to defend in the second match, the Guyanese once again hampered a promising South African run chase with career-best figures of three for 22.More success followed in the final outing, with the left-arm spinner exploiting conditions and varying his pace expertly in a spell of two for 21, which heralded a player of the series prize to accompany the series whitewash.Reacting to his award win, the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for May, Gudakesh Motie, said, “It means a lot to me and I am very happy to win this award. It’s very encouraging, I have put in a lot of work during this season and I am happy that I am seeing the rewards now.“The standout performance for me during the series against South Africa was the first game, where I took three for 25. The third wicket that night was my favourite.“Playing in a World Cup means a lot to me, and playing at home in front of our fans and knowing the conditions is also special. We have started strongly, playing three games and getting three wins, and I see us going all the way and lifting that cup on 29 June.”Having won a raft of awards of late, including the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2023, Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu continues her spell of scintillating form by claiming the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for May – her second after previously winning in September 2023.The month heralded plenty of success for the Sri Lanka team, where they cemented their place at this year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh with victory at the Qualifier in Abu Dhabi.Athapaththu topped the runscoring charts at the event, and capped another fine spell of performances with 151 runs and six wickets in May, culminating in a sublime yet explosive 102 score in 63 balls against fellow finalists Scotland to guide Sri Lanka to the Qualifier trophy.ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May, Chamari Athapaththu, said, “I am extremely delighted and honored to once again receive the ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award, and wish to mention that continuous recognition at this level keeps me motivated to further up my game and continue the good performance.""I wish to mention here that, both Kathryn [Bryce] and Sophie [Ecclestone] are also two exceptionally talented players with a proven record and wish them the very best, whilst I thank my teammates for their support given to me in this endeavour."
Blind Cricket Super League 2024: Sindh lift title
Sindh beat Balochistan by 8 wickets in the final, Mohammad Safdar hero of the daySports Bulletin Report ABBOTTABAD: Sindh beat Balochistan by 8 wickets in the final of the 7th edition of PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024, as the winners chased their 177 runs target in just 13.3 overs at APS Cricket Ground Abbottabad on Thursday.Balochistan set a competitive total of 176 runs in 19.1 overs. Naseeb Ullah (B2) led the charge with a well-crafted 42 off 27 balls, supported by Mohammad Ayyaz (B1) with 22 runs off 16 balls and Bashir Khan (B1), who scored a quickfire 32 off 16 balls. Despite their efforts, Balochistan's innings saw a regular fall of wickets, with the team being all out in the 20th over.Sindh's bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Irfan (B2) and Mohammad Idrees Saleem (B1) taking 3 wickets each. Irfan's economical spell of 4-0-15-3 was particularly impressive, significantly containing Balochistan’s scoring rate.In response, Sindh Blind chased the target with remarkable ease, scoring 177 runs for the loss of only 2 wickets in 13.3 overs. Mohammad Safdar (B3) was the star of the innings, remaining unbeaten on 97 off 48 balls, hitting 17 fours at a strike rate of 202.08. Ayoub Khan (B2) provided excellent support with a rapid 54 off 32 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes.The partnership between Safdar and Ayoub set a solid foundation, and despite losing Ayoub and Mohammad Shoaib (B1) in quick succession, Sindh comfortably reached the target. Sanwal Shahzada (B3) remained not out with 9 runs off 6 balls, ensuring Sindh’s victory. Balochistan’s bowlers struggled to contain Sindh’s aggressive batting. Haroon Khan (B2) conceded 55 runs in his 4 overs, while Imran Sarwar (B3) and Mohsin Khan (B3) also faced a tough time against Sindh’s batsmen. Bashir Khan (B1) was the only bowler to take wickets, with figures of 2-0-24-2. Mohammad Safdar got the man of the match award.Gen (R) Ayyaz Rana, Col (R) Khalid Bashir, Principal APS, Tariq Mehmood, Ex-DG Sports KP, Syed Sultan Shah, President World Blind Cricket Ltd, Syed Salman Tariq Bokhari, Director Marketing PBCC, Mohammad Bilal, Director Cricket Operations PCB, Tajamul Hussain, President Abbottabad Cricket Club of the Blind, and Shaukat Jadoon, Representative of PCB were present in the final.Tournament’s best awards:Mohammad Salman (B1 Category)Badar Munir (B2 Category)Akmal Hayyat (B3 Category)Nisar Ali (Best Wicket Keeper).
Blind Cricket T-20 Super League: Balochistan, Sindh qualify for final
Sports Bulletin ReportABBOTTABAD: Balochistan and Sindh moved into final of the PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024 after winning their respective matches at APS School Cricket Ground Abbottabad on Wednesday. The final will be played on Thursday at the same venue between Sindh and Balochistan.Balochistan beat Punjab by 4 wickets: In a roller-coaster match that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats, Balochistan Blind Cricket Team secured a nail-biting victory against Punjab Blind, chasing down a formidable target of 240 runs with just one ball to spare.Punjab Blind set a daunting target, scoring 239 for 2 in their 20 overs. Anees Javed (B2) and Akmal Hayat Nasir (B3) delivered remarkable performances with the bat. Anees Javed smashed an impressive 103 runs off 61 balls, including 17 boundaries, while Akmal remained unbeaten on 98 off 65 balls, hitting 13 fours. Their exceptional batting ensured Punjab posted a challenging total.Balochistan’s chase began with early setbacks, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Haroon Khan (B2) anchored the innings with a sensational unbeaten 106 off 57 balls, including 15 fours. The final overs saw Mohsin Khan (B3) contribute crucial 33 runs off 19 balls, providing the necessary support to Haroon.With 39 runs required off the last two overs, the match reached to a tense finish. Haroon and Mohsin displayed nerves of steel, capitalizing on every scoring opportunity. Balochistan successfully chased down the target, scoring 240 for 6 in 19.5 overs, clinching victory in a heart-stopping finish. For Punjab Blind, Israr Ul Hassan (B2) and Sajid Nawaz (B1) managed to claim a wicket each, but their efforts couldn't prevent Balochistan’s determined pursuit. Haroon Khan was declared Man of the Match.Sindh beat KPK by 6 wickets: KPK won the toss and decided to bat first. KPK posted a formidable total of 253 for 6 in their 20 overs. KPK innings was headlined by an explosive knock from Badar Munir (B2), who scored a stunning 99 runs off just 39 balls, including 16 boundaries and 2 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 253.85. His powerful hitting provided KPK with a strong foundation. Despite losing Zeeshan (B3) early for 11 runs, contributions from other batsmen such as Muhammad Rashid (B3) with 20 runs off 12 balls and Talha Iqbal (B3) who remained unbeaten with a rapid 41 off 21 balls, further bolstered the total. Extras also played a significant role, with Sindh’s bowlers conceding 44 runs through wides, no-balls, byes, and leg-byes. KPK’s aggressive batting and smart running between the wickets ensured they reached an imposing total of 253 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. M Idrees Saleem (B1) was the most economical, with figures of 4-0-38-1, while Salman (B1) and Kashif Siddique (B1) also managed to pick up a wicket each.In reply, Sindh’s chase was off to a solid start, with Safdar (B3) scoring a quickfire 40 off 22 balls. Ayoub Khan (B2) added 29 runs off 17 balls, and despite early wickets, Sindh maintained a brisk run rate. The standout performer was Nisar Ali (B2), who anchored the innings with a sensational unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, hitting 14 boundaries at a strike rate of 205.00. Sanwal Shahzada (B3) also played a crucial role, contributing 49 runs off 26 balls with seven fours and one six. Sindh reached the target in 17.2 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Ahtisham Ul Haq (B2) was the most successful bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 40 runs in his 3 overs. Badar Munir (B2) and Talha Iqbal (B3) took one wicket each. Nasir Ali got Man of the Match award.
Blind Cricket T-20 Super League: Sindh, and KPK Post wins
Sports Bulletin ReportABBOTTABAD: Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) registered victories on the 5th day of PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024, after thrashing their respective rivals at APS School Cricket Ground Abbottabad on Tuesday.Sindh beat Balochistan by 64 runs: Balochistan won the toss and put Sindh into bat. Sindh set a formidable target, scoring 221 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The standout performance came from Sanwal Shahzada (B3), who played a spectacular unbeaten innings of 83 runs off just 46 balls, hitting 6 fours and 3 sixes. Mohammad Ijaz (B3) also contributed significantly with a quickfire 25 runs off 19 balls. Balochistan’s bowling attack faced a tough challenge, with Kamran Akhtar (B3) being the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 40 runs in his 4 overs. Despite their efforts, Sindh batsmen maintained a steady run rate, bolstered by 39 extras from Balochistan's bowlers.In response, Balochistan Blind managed to score only 157 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Haroon Khan (B2) was the top scorer for Balochistan, contributing 36 runs off 24 balls. Mohsin Khan and Mohammad Ayyaz make 25* and 22 runs respectively. However, the disciplined bowling from Sindh, particularly from Mohammad Salman (B1), who took 4 wickets for 31 runs, and Idrees Saleem’s 2 wickets, restricted Balochistan from reaching the target. Mohammad Salman won Man of the Match prize.KPK beat Punjab by 51 runs: In a high-voltage first innings, KPK Blind set a formidable target of 281 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets in their allotted 20 overs against Punjab. KPK batting was spearheaded by Badar Munir (B2), who remained not out with a phenomenal 154 runs off just 63 balls, including 24 fours and 4 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 244.44. He was well-supported by Mohammad Rashid (B3), who scored 78 not out off 40 balls, hitting 14 fours. Punjab Blind's bowlers faced a tough challenge against the formidable batting line-up of KPK. Babar Ali (B2) was only bowler, managed to take 1 wicket.In reply, Punjab put up a strong fight but fell short by 51 runs. Mati Ullah (B3) was the standout performer, smashing 62 runs off 27 balls, including 11 fours and 1 six. Akmal Hayat Nasir (B3) made 51 runs off 42 balls with 7 fours and 1 six.Punjab Blind's batting lineup faced early setbacks, losing two quick wickets. Zafar Iqbal (B1) was dismissed for 2 runs, and Moeen Aslam (B2) was bowled out on the very first ball by Badar Munir (B2). Mati Ullah's explosive innings brought some hope, but consistent wickets prevented Punjab Blind from maintaining the required run rate. Israr Ul Hassan (B2) contributed 15 runs off 6 balls, and Abdul Wahab (B1) added 10 runs off 8 balls. SanaUllah (B3) remained not out with 45 runs off 32 balls, while Anees Javed (B2) was unbeaten with 6 runs off 8 balls.KP bowlers showcased a disciplined performance. Badar Munir (B2) and Mohammad Asif (B1) both took 2 wickets each, conceding 32 runs in their 4 overs each. Talha Iqbal (B3) and Fakhar Abbas (B1) took 1 wicket a piece. Badar Munir was declared the best player of the match.
Shahid Afridi: Pakistan missed out on a huge opportunity to beat India
Let’s be honest: 120 was an easily chaseable target. No team has ever defended a lower total at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.Pakistan’s bowling was disciplined and they managed to restrict what is the best batting line-up in the world to just 119.Post-match, Rohit Sharma admitted that India didn’t bat well enough and the early wickets of the skipper and Virat Kohli brought the game to life.They are the backbone of the team and removing them cheaply gave Pakistan plenty of momentum.There has been a lot of talk about the drop-in pitch in New York and the surface was a little slow compared to the batting-friendly pitches we have become accustomed to in T20 cricket.But the pitch should never be used as an excuse and neither captain did so - they know that top-level professionals should know how to adjust to any conditions.Pakistan’s bowlers did very well and at the halfway stage, I believed India’s batters were 35 to 40 runs short of where they wanted to be.In my experience, international cricket and especially the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is all about handling pressure.On the big days, you have to have nerves of steel until you make it through.India stayed positive and calm until the last ball and the pressure of the run chase was not handled well by Babar Azam’s side.The key difference between the two teams was India’s consistency, self-belief, discipline and attitude on the field.The Pakistan batting line-up simply isn’t clicking and what we saw was a weak display of power hitting.For several reasons, this game wasn’t about playing aggressively. But strategy and smart cricket were required to get the run chase over the line, and those qualities are exactly what Pakistan lacked.India have now won seven of their eight matches against Pakistan at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and Pakistan fans are highly disappointed.First, Pakistan lost to hosts USA in a close game and now they have lost to India when they had only a small total to chase.The next match is against Canada at Nassau County International Stadium tomorrow and it goes without saying that this is a must-win game.I think now is the time for Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam to make some changes.I would like to see Salman Ali Agha come into the side in place of Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed to come in for Shadab Khan.Most of all, I believe Fakhar Zaman should be promoted to open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, with Babar dropping down to number three.There are some tough conversations and choices to come but we need to remember that there is still hope: Pakistan are not out of the tournament yet.
CPL: Mohammad Amir, Imad, and Fakhar to represent Falcons
Sports Bulletin ReportPort of Spain (Trinidad): The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have confirmed the players they have signed ahead of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League draft. They have 12 confirmed players for the 2024 season and will have five spots to fill at the draft in July. The Falcons will feature Pakistani internationals Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim and Fakhar Zaman, all of whom are currently featuring in the T20 World Cup which is taking place in the Caribbean and USA. Their overseas contingent will be rounded out by Australia’s Chris Green and Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Brandon King and Fabian Allen will be part of the Falcons squad for 2024 as well as hugely exciting Antiguan batter Jewel Andrew who starred at the Under 19 World Cup earlier this year. Names of Falcons players: Imad Wasim, Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Amir, Chris Green, Fakhar Zaman, Hayden Walsh, Samar Springer, Kelvin Pitman, Jewel Andrew, Joshua James.
T20 World Cup: Indian bowlers surprise Pakistani batters
India outpay Pakistan by 6 runs in a low-scoring thriller contest in New YorkSports Bulletin ReportNew York (USA); Pacer Jasprit Bumrah (3 for 14) halted Green Shirts from achieving a meager target of 120 runs in 20 overs, as India successfully downed the opposition by 6 runs at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 cricket match on Sunday.Naseem Shah took three for 21, Haris Rauf claimed three for 21 and Mohammad Amir snapped up two for 23 to bowl India out for 119, their second-lowest score in a T20 World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah led India’s fightback with figures of three for 14, while Hardik Pandya claimed two for 24 as Pakistan finished on 113 for seven on a substandard T20 pitch.Pakistan needed 18 runs in the last over and managed 11 runs, including two fours off the final three balls of the innings by Naseem Shah. Pakistan were in control of the proceedings when they were 57 for one at the halfway stage and then 83 for four after 15 overs, needing 37 off the last five overs.Babar Azam (13) and Mohammad Rizwan (31) stitched a 26-run first wicket partnership off 28 balls before Rizwan and Usman Khan (13) put on 31 runs off 33 balls. However, the lower-order batters struggled to put bat to ball and dominated India bowlers, although Imad Wasim scored 15 and Fakhar Zaman chipped in with 13.India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was the top-scorer of the match with a lucky 42 off 31 balls, including six fours. In Mohammad Amir’s second over, the sixth of the innings, Pant could have been caught twice; instead, he got 11 runs before eventually falling to Amir in the 15th over.Virat Kohli, who had given Pakistan a heartbreak in Melbourne two years ago with an 82 not out, lasted just three balls this time. Rohit Sharma joined Kohli in the dug-out seven balls later as India slipped to 19 for two in 2.4 overs.Axar Patel (20) added 39 runs off 30 balls for the third wicket with Pant, while Pant put on 31 runs off 22 balls with Suryakumar Yadav for the fourth wicket to take India to 89 for four. At that stage, Pakistan fought back to claim the remaining six wickets for 30 runs in just over eight overs as India collapsed to 119 all out in 19 overs.
Blind Cricket T-20 Super League: Balochistan, Punjab post victories
Sports Bulletin ReportABBOTTABAD: Balochistan and Punjab claimed triumphs in the ongoing PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024, after beating their respective opponents at APS School Cricket Ground Abbottabad on Monday.Balochistan beat KPK by 1 wicket: In an exhilarating T20 match, the Balochistan Blind cricket team triumphed over KP in a nail-biting finish, chasing down a formidable target of 213 runs with just one ball to spare.The match commenced with KPK Blind setting a challenging target, scoring 212 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The standout performances came from Badar Munir (B2) and Mohammad Rashid (B3). Badar dazzled with a rapid 58 off 30 balls, including nine boundaries and one six. Rashid anchored the innings with a well-crafted 95 not out off 60 balls, hitting 14 fours. Bashir Khan (B1) and Mohsin Khan (B3) from the Balochistan side put up impressive bowling performances, taking two wickets each.In response, Balochistan managed to chase the target in a sensational way, scoring 216 for the loss of 9 wickets in 19.5 overs. Niamatullah (B3) led the charge with a solid 61 off 46 balls, supported by timely contributions from Imran Sarwar (B3), who remained not out on 33 off 18 balls, and Naseeb Ullah (B2), who scored a quickfire 21 off 12 balls. The chase saw dramatic turns with crucial wickets falling at regular intervals. Talha Iqbal (B3) from KPK delivered with the ball, taking two crucial wickets, including that of the key player Niamatullah. Niamatullah got the Man of the Match award.Punjab beat Sindh by 37 runs: In a high-octane first innings, the Punjab Blind cricket team delivered an impressive batting performance, scoring a commanding 252 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs against Sindh.The Punjab Blind team exhibited an outstanding batting effort, with key contributions from Moeen Aslam (B2), Akmal Hayat Nasir (B3), and Mati Ullah (B3). Moeen Aslam was in exceptional form, scoring a blistering 51 off just 22 balls, hitting ten boundaries with a remarkable strike rate of 231.82. Akmal Hayat Nasir followed suit with a robust 68 off 44 balls, including ten fours and one six. Mati Ullah added crucial runs with a rapid 32 off 16 balls, while Israr Ul Hassan (B2) provided a solid finish, remaining not out with 24 runs off 13 balls. SanaUllah (B3) also contributed significantly towards the end, scoring an unbeaten 21 off just 8 balls, boasting a strike rate of 262.50. Idrees Saleem (B1) took 2 wickets, while Mohammad Salman and Safdar claimed a wicket a piece.In reply, Sindh managed to scored 215 runs in 20 overs for the loss of 6 wickets. Sindh chase was led by a valiant effort from Mohammad Safdar (B3), who scored a brilliant 58 off 36 balls, including nine boundaries and one six. Ayoub Khan (B2) provided solid support with 46 runs off 34 balls. Despite their efforts, the Punjab Blind bowlers managed to keep crucial breakthroughs at key moments. Nisar Ali (B2) played a remarkable innings, remaining unbeaten with 49 runs off just 26 balls, hitting six fours and one six. However, Sindh middle order struggled to build on the momentum, facing tight bowling from Punjab Blind. Matiullah, Kazimullah and Sajid Nawaz took 2 wickets each. Matiullah won the Man of the Match award.
Blind Cricket T-20 League: Sindh and Balochistan claim wins
Shoukat HussainABBOTTABAD: Sindh and Balochistan have won their matches on the day-3 of the PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024, after beating KPK, and Punjab respectively by 6, and 7 wickets at APS School Cricket Ground Abbottabad on Sunday.Sindh beat KPK by 6 wickets: KPK batted first and posted a challenging total of 249 for 9 runs in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Mohammad Rashid, who played an explosive knock of 87 runs off 46 balls, including 13 fours and 1 six, with a strike rate of 189.13. Contributions from Ahtisham Ul Haq (33 off 23 balls) and Badar Munir (25 off 15 balls) further bolstered the KPK total. Despite a strong start, KP Blind's middle order faltered against a disciplined Sindh bowling attack, resulting in frequent wickets during the latter part of their innings. For Sindh, Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Noman claimed two wickets each while Mohammad Idrees took 1.In reply, Sindh Blind chased down the formidable target of 250, finishing at 251/4 in 19.2 overs to secure a remarkable 6-wicket victory. Sindh’s chase was spearheaded by a magnificent century from Ayoub Khan, who remained unbeaten on 103 off 62 balls, featuring 13 fours at a strike rate of 166.13. His masterclass innings, combined with strong support from Mohammad Safdar (41 off 26 balls) and Idrees Saleem (26 off 14 balls), guided Sindh to a successful run chase. Fakhar Abbas and Mohammad Sohail claimed a wicket a piece. Ayoub Khan got the Man of the Match award.Balochistan beat Punjab by 7 wickets: Punjab Blind batted first and posted an impressive total of 211/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Moeen Aslam led the charge with a quick-fire 40 off 21 balls, including six boundaries, at a strike rate of 190.48. He was well-supported by Akmal Hayat Nasir, who contributed a crucial 37 off 21 balls. Other notable contributions came from Anees Javed, who retired out after scoring 32 off 28 balls, and Mati Ullah, who added 28 off 21 balls.Balochistan bowlers, despite the initial onslaught, managed to put up a commendable effort. Mohammad Shahzeb was the standout performer, taking three key wickets for 33 runs in his 4 overs. Kamran Akhtar and Shahzaib Haider also chipped in with one wicket each, conceding 36 and 45 runs respectively in their 4-over spells.In reply, Balochistan started their innings with a determined approach, chasing down the target in just 16.2 overs with a score of 213/3. Kamran Akhtar was the star of the innings, playing a scintillating knock of 100 not out off 51 balls. His innings was laced with 15 fours and one six, maintaining a strike rate of 196.08. Kamran's explosive performance set the tone for Balochistan's successful chase.Naseeb Ullah provided excellent support with a powerful innings of 82 off 47 balls, hitting 13 fours. The opening partnership between Kamran and Naseeb was crucial, adding 196 runs for the first wicket, and laying a solid foundation for the chase.Punjab bowlers struggled to contain the aggressive batting of Balochistan Blind. Israr Ul Hassan was the most economical bowler, taking 1 wicket for 32 runs in his 4 overs. Mati Ullah managed to pick up 2 wickets but conceded 27 runs in his 2 overs. The rest of the Punjab bowlers were unable to make significant inroads, allowing Balochistan Blind to chase down the target comfortably. Man of the Match award went to Kamran Akhtar.
T20 Super League: Sindh, and Balochistan claim victories
Sports Bulletin ReportABBOTTABAD: The 7th edition of the PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024 kicked off on Friday (June 7) at the APS School Cricket Ground in Abbottabad. The tournament features four provincial teams including Sindh, Punjab, KPK, and Balochistan showcasing the top blind cricket players from across Pakistan.Sindh beat Punjab by 4 wickets: The opening match of the tournament was contested between Punjab and Sindh at the APS School Cricket Ground. Sindh won the toss and elected to bowl first. The Punjab team was bowled out for 158 runs in 17.5 overs. Both Babar Ali and Akmal Hayat were the top scorers, each making 23 runs. Mohammad Salman and Idrees Saleem each took 2 wickets for Sindh, while Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Safdar, Naeem Ullah, and Mohammad Ejaz claimed 1 wicket each.In reply, Sindh chased down the target in a nail-biting finish, reaching 159 runs in 19.5 overs for the loss of 6 wickets. Sanwal Shahzada played a crucial innings, scoring 35 runs off 23 balls. Ayoub Khan rescued Sindh with an unbeaten 29 runs off 18 balls, delivering superb strokeplay to secure the 4-wicket victory. Sindh required 13 runs in the last over, which Ayoub successfully achieved. Mohammad Safdar added 31 runs off 28 balls. For Punjab, Mati Ullah took 2 wickets and Sajid Nawaz claimed 1 wicket. Mohammad Safdar got the Man of the Match award.Balochistan beat KPK by 26 runs: Following the exciting first match, the second clash featured KPK and Balochistan in a highly competitive encounter. KPK won the toss and opted to field first, putting Balochistan in to bat. Balochistan set a formidable total, amassing 247 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Haroon Khan dazzled with the bat, scoring a brilliant 75 runs off 44 balls. Shahzaib Haider provided strong support, remaining unbeaten with 50 runs off 31 balls. For KPK, Mohammad Asif managed to claim a wicket.In their reply, KPK put up a valiant effort but fell short, scoring 221 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 20 overs. Badar Munir was the standout performer for KPK, scoring 46 runs off 26 balls, while Mohammad Rashid contributed a swift 43 runs off 20 balls. Balochistan's Shahzaib Haider showcased his all-round skills by taking 3 crucial wickets. Mohammad Shahzeb and Mohammad Ayyaz also chipped in with a wicket each. Shahzaib Haider was the hero of the match.
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