KOCHI: Maintaining their unbeaten run, Pakistan outclassed Sri Lanka to qualify for the final of the Asia Cup Cricket of the Blind here at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium on Thursday.

It was Pakistan’s third consecutive victory in the continental event.

After being invited to bat first, Pakistan posted a massive 214 for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. Mohammad Akram top-scored with 44 while Mohammad Ayyaz made a 19-ball 34. Zahid Mahmood, Anees Javed and Amir Ishfaq made 29, 23 and 22, respectively.

For Sri Lanka, Kulam Lakmal bagged two wickets while Suman and Kalyan shared a wicket each.

In reply, Sri Lanka were found wanting and could only make 124-8 in their quota of overs. Only Deshpriya (36) and Ruwan Washantha (33) offered some resistance.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Idrees Saleem took two wickets while Mohammad Ayyaz, Amir Ishfaq, Mohammad Akram and Sajid Nawaz claimed one wicket each. Ayyaz for his all-round show was declared the man-of-the-match.

The other finalist team of the event will be decided on Friday after the match between India and Sri Lanka.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2016