KARACHI: Abbottabad stunned a strong Karachi outfit in the final of the Grade-2 NBP T20 Blind Cricket Trophy here at the TMC Cricket Ground on Friday.

Both finalist teams were unbeaten in the group stage and showcased some stunning performances in all three departments.

On Friday, Karachi won the toss and sent Abbottabad in to bat. However, Abbottabad openers nullified the toss advantage as skipper Riasat Khan and Naeemullah put up a solid partnership of 179.

Naeemullah scored a fluent 79 whereas Riasat Khan remained unbeaten at 80. Abbottabad’s final total was 186 for 3. Murad Ali took 1 wicket.

Karachi, in reply, started well but their key player Tahir Ali (28) lost his wicket early while another key player Waliullah got retired hurt. the hosts were on the backfoot after that and could only manage 149 for 4 in 20 overs to lose the match by 37 runs. Murad Ali scored 27. 4

Mohammad Adeel grabbed two wickets and Riasat Khan got one scalp. Riasat was named Player of the Final for his fine all-round show.

Abbottabad, by virtue of its fine victory, booked their place in next year’s Grade-1 trophy.

Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, distributed the prizes among players along with Saad Jilani, marketing head of Faizan Steel, Junaid Iqbal of NBP, Syed Salman Bukhari Director Operations PBCC, Imran Ahmad Shaikh Director Information and Co-ordination and Asif Azeem Media Advisor Pakistan Olympic Association were also present on the occasion..

Riasat was declared as the best player of the tournament in B-1 category whereas Naseebullah from B-2 and Muhammad Safdar from B-3 players of the tournament respectively.

The winning team received Rs 40,000 while the runner-up got Rs 20,000. Players of the tournament were awarded 5,000 each.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 20212