MULTAN, March 26: All-rounder Naseer Butt hit a whirlwind fifty and took two wickets to lead Pakistan to a 101-run victory over India in the second one-dayer of the deaf cricket series at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The 50-over match was reduced to 20-overs-a-side event after Saturday’s rain left the ground unfit for play. However, hectic efforts by groundsmen, led by PCB curator Bashir Kardar, enabled the organisers to begin the match at 2.00pm.
Put into bat, Pakistan accumulated 177 for seven in 20 overs with half centuries by Naseer Butt (57) and M. Kamran (50). Naseer hit three sixes and four fours while Kamran struck seven boundaries. Bilal Aslam hit two sixes and four boundaries in his 38.
India, in reply, were bundled out for 76 in 19.5 overs. Paceman Gohar Usman claimed three for 19 and spinner Naseer Butt took two for 13.
Rajesh Nair (14) was the only batsman who reached double figures.
Summarised scores:
PAKISTAN 177-7 in 20 overs (Naseer Butt 57, M. Kamran 50, Bilal Aslam 38; Rajesh Nair 2-26); INDIA 76 in 19.5 overs (Usman Gohar 3-19, Naseer Butt 2-13).—APP