ISLAMABAD: Defending champions Pakistan crushed Iraq 25-0 to move into the semi-finals of the West Asia Baseball Cup being played here at newly-constructed baseball ground of the Pakistan Sports Complex on Monday.

Pakistan joined Nepal, Sri Lanka and Iran in the last four with the semi-finals to be played on Tuesday with the hosts facing neighbours Iran while Nepal and Sri Lanka collide for a spot in the final.

Aided by the brilliant performances of batters Arslan Jamshed and Faqir Hussain, who scored four runs each, Pakistan cruised past Iraq.

Skipper Sumair Zawar, Wasim Ali, Riaz Khan and Amin Afridi contributed three runs each, Umair Bhatti and Majeed scored two run each while one run was made by Fazal Khan.

Pakistan’s pitchers also shone as they didn’t allow their opponents to open their runs account in a totally one-sided affair.

Monday’s victory also saw Pakistan score the highest runs so far in the tournament, surpassing Sri Lanka’s 22-0 win over Iran on Sunday.

Five West Asian countries are participating in the event as India couldn’t participate due to visa issues.

The final of the event will be played on Wednesday.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2017