CAPE TOWN: Pakistan beat India by seven wickets in the opening match of the Blind Cricket World Cup. 

Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first. They got the first breakthrough when Zeeshan Abbasi bowled India’s most threatening batsman Parkash in the very first over of the match.

Pakistan bowled and fielded splendidly and didn’t allow the Indian batsmen to free their arms. They bowled out India in 35.1 overs for 259. 

Ajay Reddy scored 71 runs, Venkatesh 63 and Jaffar Iqbal scored 36.

Zeeshan Abbasi claimed his career best figures of four wickets for 23 runs in 8 overs. Anees Javed took two wickets. Pakistan’s start was not good either as they lost two wickets for 22 runs.

But Mohammad Jamil and Haroon Ahmed build up a fine partnership of 132 runs.

Jameel got out after scoring 74 runs off 53 balls while Haroon scored 84 off just 93 balls. Anees Javed also chipped in with unbeaten 52 runs.

Haroon was declared the Man-of-the-Match.

Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2014