LAHORE: Fine all-round performance by Zaka Ahmed helped Pakistan earn seven-wicket win against India in the first Asia T20 Deaf Cricket Cup at the LCCA ground here on Friday.

He took three wickets for 24 with his off-spinners to restrict India, who decided to bat first after winning the toss, to a paltry total of 118-7 in 20 overs.  

Then Zaka as opener hit 34 runs off 24 balls to help Pakistan reach home in just 15.2 overs to earn second consecutive victory.

Pakistan’s other opener Bilal Yousuf also contributed run-a-ball 30 with six boundaries.

Nadeem contributed 18-ball 26 laced with five boundaries.

Waqas Hasan (10) and Qamar Naveed (12) remained unbeaten to overhaul the target with 4.4 overs to spare.

Indian medium fast Rajnadeep Dhanu picked up two wickets for 34.

Earlier, Indian captain Imran Sheikh won the toss but except their opener Vipul Patel (27, five fours, 32 balls) and P. Gajjar (24, three fours) no batsman could make major contribution as Zaka, who was later adjudged Man-of-the-Match, bowled well.

Zaka was well assisted by left-arm spinner Mohammad Shakeel, who bagged two wickets for 27.

Punjab Sports Board director general Usman Anwar was the chief guest and awarded the prize to Zaka.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play