Pakistan enters Blind World Cup semis, beat Australia by a record margin

Blind Cricket World Cup witnessed a record-breaking game during the encounter between Pakistan and Australia. The Men in Green beat the Aussies by a record margin of 394 runs as they advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament. The other three sides who made their way to the semi-finals are the sub-continent sides India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

On Sunday, batting first, Pakistan scored a mammoth total – 563 is the highest total in the history of all international cricket for blinds. It was the home skipper who won the toss and had decided to set a target for the Australians. Nobody could’ve guessed the way things panned out. By the end of the 50 overs, the Pakistani team bettered their own record of 517 which they posted in 2010 against South Africa.

Ishfaq’s double ton

Australia had an ideal start as they removed Pakistani opener Matiullah for just 4. But their joy didn’t last long as Amir Ishfaq along with Sanaullah tormented the Australian attack with disdain as they added 300 runs together. Sanaullah fell after playing a blistering knock of 143 runs of just 69 balls. Although that did not stop Ishfaq as he continued the assault on the bowlers and was eventually retired out after his double century (208) which came off just 95 balls.

Harron Khan also smashed his way to the century to help Pakistan go past their previous highest total. The run feast stopped only after the end of the overs as they posted 563 for 4 to ask the Australians to chase down a daunting target.

The chase

Under the massive scoreboard pressure, the Australians never looked on course to get past the target and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The run chase never took off and the Australians were flattered as they bundled out for 169 runs in 31.5 overs.

Harron Khan who scored a century while batting was too hot to handle with the ball as well and he sent two Aussies back to the pavilion. Amir Ishfaq was adjourned man of the match for his brilliant double hundred.

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