Abbottabad emerges victorious in T-20 Blind Trophy final

Abbottabad emerges victorious in T-20 Blind Trophy

Asher Butt

Abbottabad emerged victorious in the 14th edition of the National Bank of Pakistan T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy 2023 (Grade-2), defeating Karachi by a commanding margin of 10 wickets. The thrilling final match unfolded on the Bohranwali Cricket Ground in Faisalabad, bringing the tournament to a remarkable conclusion.

Abbottabad, captained by the experienced Riasat Khan, won the toss and elected to field first. Karachi, known for their strong batting prowess, showcased their resilience, setting a competitive total of 231 runs on the board without losing any wickets. Tahir Ali and Ayoub Khan were the star performers for Karachi, contributing unbeaten innings of 120* and 93* runs, respectively.

Facing a daunting target, Abbottabad's openers, Riasat Khan and Naeem Ullah, rose to the challenge, showcasing exceptional batting form. They denied Karachi's bowlers any chance of gaining an advantage, steadily marching towards the target. Riasat Khan, in particular, continued his stellar performance with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 110 runs off 62 balls. Naeem Ullah, playing a supporting role, contributed a valuable 79* runs off 53 balls.

Abbottabad's unwavering focus and strategic play propelled them to victory, as they chased down the target of 232 runs in just 18.4 overs without losing a single wicket. Their dominant performance in the final match underscored their exceptional talent and determination throughout the tournament.

The victory was celebrated amidst a vibrant atmosphere, with Hammad Rasool (Regional Executive Business & Vice President NBP Faisalabad), Syed Sultan Shah (Chairman PBCC & President World Blind Cricket Ltd), Dr. Ghulam Mustafa (Head of I R Department G C University Faisalabad), Muzaffar Hussain Saalik (Assistant Professor, Agriculture University Faisalabad), Salman Tariq Bukhari (Director Marketing PBCC), Anwar Ali Sial (Director Finance PBCC), and Muhammad Bilal (Director Cricket Operations) gracing the occasion as guests of honor. They distributed prizes amongst the players, acknowledging their remarkable achievements.

In addition to the team's success, individual players were also recognized for their outstanding contributions throughout the tournament. Raheel Ahmed (Sheikhopura) was awarded the Player of the Tournament award for his consistent all-round performances. Ehtisham ul Haq (Attock) and Muhammad Saleem (Quetta) were recognized as the Best Batsmen in B1 and B2 categories, respectively. Naseeb Ullah (Quetta) was lauded for his exceptional wicket-keeping skills, earning the title of Best Wicket Keeper.

The 14th edition of the National Bank of Pakistan T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy 2023 (Grade-2) concluded on a high note, showcasing the exceptional talent and unwavering determination of blind cricket players in Pakistan. Abbottabad's victory serves as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the spirit of sportsmanship that transcends physical limitations.