AJMAN: Arch-rivals Pakistan and India set up a tantalising title decider in the Blind Cricket World Cup after they cruised to victories in their semi-finals here on Wednesday.

Pakistan had a resounding 156-run victory over Sri Lanka while India thrashed Bangladesh by seven wickets.

At the Oval Cricket Ground, Mohammad Rashid hit a brilliant 139 and was ably supported by Nisar Ali, who was unlucky to get out on 99, and Badar Munir (72) took Pakistan to 489-8 in their allotted 40 overs after they were put into bat.

Badar then took two wickets as Sri Lanka were restricted to 333-7 despite an unbeaten 100 by Chandana Deshapriya.

Rashid, who joined the team only a day ago after a visa delay, was named man-of-the-match.

Over at the MCC Ground, Bangladesh were dismissed for 256 in 38.5 overs after they elected to bat first with Abdul Malik scoring 108 as Durgas Rao took three wickets.

India reached the target in the 23rd over as Ganesh Mundukar made 112 and Deepak Malik scored 53.

The final will be played on Saturday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2018