KARACHI: Pakistan drew first blood in the historic International Disabled Cricket Series against Afghanistan when they won the opening Twenty20 match by 37 runs at the National Stadium here on Sunday.

Pakistan, who batted first, made 179-6 with Hasnain Alam striking a fine 55. His 41-ball knock included seven fours and a brace of sixes. Danish Ahmed slammed 38 off 29 balls with three boundaries and a six, man-of-the-match Jahanzaib Tiwana a swashbuckling 18-ball 37 that contained three sixes and as many fours, while Ashfaq Ali hit two fours in scoring 27 from 26 balls.

Afghan skipper Nabiullah Nabi was most successful bowler for the visitors with two for 34.

Afghanistan, in their response, were restricted to 153-6 in allotted 20 overs. Jahanzaib contributed 36 in 20 balls with four boundaries and one six, Nabiullah Nabi run-a-ball 25 (two fours) and Ubaidullah a 26-ball 20 (two fours) Slow left-armer Ameer Ahmed grabbed two wickets for 31 runs.

The second Twenty20 will be played on Monday.

Brief scores:

PAKISTAN 179-6 in 20 overs (Hasnain Alam 55, Danish Ahmed 38, Jahanzaib Tiwana 37, Ashfaq Ali 27; Nabiullah 2-34, M. Ashraf 1-14, Ikramullah 1-22, Sheirin Akkakhail 1-31); AFGHANISTAN 153-6 in 20 overs (Jahanzaib 46), Nabiullah Nabi 25, Ubaidullah 20, Mohammad Yousuf 19 not out; Ameer Ahmed 2-31, Fayyaz Ahmed 1-26, Abdullah Khan 1-37).

Published in Dawn February 23rd , 2015

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