Pakistan and Bangladesh have secured their spots in the final of the 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, eliminating Sri Lanka and Nepal from contention. The semi-finals delivered thrilling moments, including a historic knock by Pakistan’s Kamran Akhtar.
At the Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan faced Nepal in a one-sided contest. The visitors batted first, posting 94/7 in 20 overs. Pakistan’s Matiullah starred with the ball, claiming three wickets for just five runs in his four overs.
Pakistan’s openers chased down the target effortlessly, scoring 95 runs in just 5.3 overs without losing a wicket.
Kamran Akhtar dazzled with an unbeaten 63 off 21 balls, featuring one six and 12 fours, achieving a record-breaking fifty in just 14 balls. Babar Ali contributed 32 not out. Kamran’s explosive innings earned him the Player of the Match award, presented by World Blind Cricket Council Secretary General Raymond Moxley and PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah.
In the second semifinal, Bangladesh edged past Sri Lanka in a closely contested match. Batting first, Bangladesh posted a formidable 244/6, boosted by six penalty runs awarded for Sri Lanka’s slow over rate. Mohammad Salman delivered a stunning performance, scoring 97 off 49 balls with 14 boundaries, supported by Arif Hussain’s 81 off 56 balls.
Sri Lanka fought back with a spirited chase, reaching 238/4. Chandana’s brilliant 86 off 54 balls and Dinesh’s 35 off 28 kept them in the hunt, but they fell short by six runs.
Pakistan and Bangladesh will face off in the final at Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, December 3, at 11:00 am, promising an epic conclusion to the Blind T20 World Cup. It will be the first World Cup title for either side.