Sharjah: It was cricket with a difference at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium: The venue which has hosted the most one-day international matches became the stage for an intense contest between the best sightless players from Pakistan and England.
The match provided all the excitement of a Twenty20 match with the rattling sound of the special ball keeping everyone riveted to the action. Pakistan, the reigning World Champions in blind cricket, defeated England by 101 runs.
Waleed Bukhatir, chairman of Al Dhaid Cricket Village and member of Emirates Cricket Board, gave away the prizes. "I was very touched by the enthusiasm of the players... We will always offer our support to such a noble cause and our stadium in Sharjah and grounds in Al Dhaid will always be open for blind cricket," he said.
England won the toss and put Pakistan in to bat. The Pakistan players, well known for their ability to go for their shots, posted a target of 274 losing just four wickets. Mohammad Fayaz led the run spree by hitting an unbeaten 86 while Amir Ishaq cracked 84 runs.
England found the total too daunting although Luke Sugg hit an unbeaten 71.
Mazhar Khan, secretary of the Sharjah Cricket Council, said: "It was hard to believe that it was blind cricketers who were playing the game. The way they dived for the ball and hit runs was unbelievable. They need all the support and I urge all cricket fans to come out and watch them in action."
The first of the three match one-day series will be held today from 10am.
Scorecard
Pakistan 274 for 4 in 20 overs (Mohammad Fayaz 86, Amir Ishfaq 84, Masood 39)
England 173 for 6 in 20 overs (Luke Sugg 71n.o, G. Dean 31, Idrees Saleem 2 for 34, Zeeshan Abbasi 1 for 27, M. Jameel 1 for 41)
Man of the match: M. Fayaz.
