Sports Bulletin Report
KARACHI: Balolchistan and Islamabad registered victories on the opening day of the A S Ali Blind Cricket Trophy National One-Day Format Tournament 2025 at two different venues in Karachi on Monday.
The event’s inauguration ceremony was held at Asghar Ali Shah Cricket Ground, Karachi. Saeed Ghulam Mehdi, the Additional Commissioner of Karachi, was the chief guest and officially inaugurated the event. Other dignitaries present at the prestigious ceremony included Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council and Farman Ali, Director of the Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Sindh.
Balochistan beat Sindh by 1 wicket: In the opening match of the tournament was contested between Balochistan and Sindh at Asghar Ali Shah Cricket Ground in Karachi. Balochistan won the toss and elected to field first, putting Sindh in to bat. Sindh was bowled out for a stimulating total of 364 runs in their allotted 40 overs. Ayoub Khan impressed with the bat, scoring a brisk 143 runs off 89 balls. Zafar Iqbal and Tahir provided strong support, scoring 68 runs off 56 balls and 54 runs off 52 balls, respectively. Niamat Ullah took 2 wickets for Balochistan.
In response, Balochistan chased down the target with one wicket remaining, reaching 365 runs in 37 overs. Niamat Ullah was the star with the bat, scoring an exciting unbeaten 130 runs off 87 balls. Israr Hasan played a key role in the chase, contributing a crucial 55 runs off 43 balls. Talha Iqbal and Tahir Ali took 2 wickets each, while Irfan, Fakhar, and Zafar claimed 1 wicket each. Niamat Ullah got “Man of The Match” award.
Islamabad beat Punjab by 2 runs: At NED Cricket Ground Karachi, Punjab won the toss and decided to bowl first. Islamabad, batting first, posted a striking total of 453 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their allotted 40 overs. Veteran Anees Javed was the standout performer, scoring a brilliant 157 runs off 84 balls. Mati Ullah also contributed superbly with 110 runs off 74 balls. For Punjab, Mohammad Safdar, Sajid, and Junaid each claimed 1 wicket.
In reply, Punjab put up a strong fight but fell short by 2 runs, finishing their innings at 451 runs all out in 40 overs. Nisar Ali was the standout performer for Punjab, scoring an outstanding 200 runs off 107 balls, while Mohammad Safdar contributed 60 runs off 61 balls. Anees Javed took 2 wickets, and Mati Ullah claimed 1 wicket for Islamabad. Anees Javed declared for “Man of the Match” award.
