'Thrilling showdown': Pakistan beat India by 18 runs in IBSA World Games clash

Pakistan and Indian blind cricket team are picture during a match in Birmingham, England, on August 21, 2023. (Photo courtesy: @pbcc_official/Twitter)
Short Url
  • Batting first, Pakistan handed India a formidable target of 189 runs from their 20 overs
  • Pakistan skipper Nisar Ali, Muhammad Salman score 46 and 50 runs respectively 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan beat India by 18 runs to make an impressive start to the International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) World Games 2023 in Birmingham, the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) said on Monday. 

The 2023 IBSA World Games is the largest high-level international event for athletes with visual impairment, with over 1,250 competitors taking part from 70 nations. The tournament kicked off from August 14 and is scheduled to continue till August 27, and is being held at the University of Birmingham, across the Edgbaston and wider region. The 2023 edition of the tournament features three paralympic and seven non-paralympic sports; archery, chess, cricket, men’s blind football, partially sighted football, women’s blind football, goalball (male/female), judo, powerlifting, showdown, ten pin, bowling and tennis.

On Sunday, Pakistan batted first and scored a respectable target of 187/8 from 20 overs. India, on the other hand, fell short by 18 runs and managed only 169/7 at the end of their 20 overs. 

“Thrilling showdown at the IBSA Blind World games as Pakistan Blind Cricket Team triumphs over India by 18 runs!” the PBCC wrote on the X social media platform. “Salman, Badar and Mati shine brightly and played an important role in Pakistan’s success.”

Pakistan captain Nisar Ali and Muhammad Salman put up impressive performances with the bat, scoring 46 and 50 runs respectively.