Pakistan defeats India to clinch gold at World Blind Cricket
On Saturday, Pakistan’s men’s cricket team defeated India to earn the gold medal at the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Games in Birmingham, extending Pakistan’s winning run to five games.
Congratulations to the Pakistan blind cricket for clinching gold at the IBSA World Games 2023 Birmingham 👏🥇
They remained unbeaten in the tournament, winning five games 🙌 pic.twitter.com/fLXIdiyCGc
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 26, 2023
After a good batting effort, Pakistan successfully pursued a 185-run mark in the 15th over.
There was joy and excitement at Birmingham’s Edgbaston cricket ground, as the green shirts took a victory lap to cheers and the rhythm of the dhol. Pakistani supporters cheered on the squad and embraced the players while waving the national flag.
Pak Blind Cricket team defeats India in T20 !#PakvsInd #IndvsPak #PakvsIndBlind pic.twitter.com/ECu7Q4J2cY
— Shehzad Qureshi (@ShehxadGulHasen) August 20, 2023
In the allotted 20 overs, the Green Shirts scored 187 runs and lost eight wickets. Muhammad Salman hit 50 off 31 balls, skipper Nisar Ali hit 46 off 33, and Badar Munir hit 37 off 24.
Ajay Kumar Reddy got four wickets for India’s visually impaired squad, while Nakula Badanayak dismissed three Pakistani batsmen. In response, the Indians were held to 169 runs for seven wickets in 20 overs. They needed 38 runs from the last three overs at one point, but Matiullah produced a magnificent 18th over in which he surrendered only four runs.
And another good news Alhumdulilah our men's blind Cricket team wins the gold medal at the IBSA World Games 👏🏼👏🏼 No better feeling than watching Pakistan win 🥇#PakistanZindabad🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/ievZiSmudo
— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) August 26, 2023
India went from 150 runs for three wickets to 154 runs for six wickets after losing three wickets, including one run out. Sunil Ramesh scored 62 runs for India VI, while Durga Rao Tompaki contributed 40 runs.
Opening batters M. Ullah and N. Ali helped the squad reach 50 runs in just 27 deliveries. Indian bowlers then handed up 42 runs as extras, giving Pakistan a significant advantage. M Salman’s 48 off 25 and B Munjir’s 41 off 12 were enough to propel Pakistan to victory.
Heartiest congratulations to India men's blind cricket team too for winning the silver medal in men's T20 cricket event at the IBSA World Games 2023.
Inspiring gameplay throughout the tournament has made our country proud. #IBSAWorldGames pic.twitter.com/j580fnizia
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) August 27, 2023
The International Blind Sports Federation organises the IBSA World Games, often known as the World Blind Games, every four years. The competitions allow blind and partly sighted athletes to compete in a variety of sports. In 1998, the inaugural tournament was held in Madrid, Spain.
Pakistan Men's Blind Cricket Team wins GOLD at the IBSA World Games! 🥇
They won 5 out of 5 matches, including two wins against India (one in the final) 👏🏽#IBSAWorldGames | #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/3mou60wYlf
— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) August 26, 2023
The Pakistani squad stayed undefeated at the Blind Cricket World Games, defeating India, Bangladesh, Australia, and England. Pakistan had previously defeated India by 18 runs in the group stage and won gold in the World Blind Games cricket event.