COLOMBO: Pakistan’s physically disabled cricket team displayed an all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 90 runs in the PD Champions Trophy, securing their second victory in the tournament at the BOI Cricket Ground.

Pakistan PD, having set a challenging target of 213 runs, dominated both with the bat and ball, leaving the hosts struggling to chase down the total.

In their allotted 20 overs, Pakistan PD posted an impressive 212-4, marking the second-highest total of the competition so far.

Opening batsman Huzaifa Khan led the charge with a brilliant knock of 67 runs off 53 balls, including six fours and two sixes. His partner Ghulam Mohammad smashed 52 runs off 28 balls, featuring five fours and three sixes.

The lower order also made valuable contributions: wicket-keeper-batsman Saifullah contributed a quickfire 31 runs from just 12 balls, hitting three sixes and two fours, while Mohammad Noman’s unbeaten 19 runs off nibe balls helped boost the total further. Mohammad Shehzad chipped in with 18 runs off nine balls.

In reply, Sri Lanka PD could only muster 122-8 in their 20 overs, well short of the target. Gayan Gunarathne was the top scorer for the hosts with 29 runs off 24 balls, which included four fours and two sixes. Dulan Priyashantha played a valiant unbeaten knock of 26 runs, but it was not enough to mount a serious challenge.

Pakistan PD’s Shahid Wattoo starred with the ball, claiming 3-18. Waqif Shah was equally impressive, picking up 2-23 runs. Ghulam, Hammad Shaukat, and Zubair Saleem also contributed with a wicket each, ensuring Sri Lanka PD had no way back into the game.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2025