Players defy all odds for a special contest

Dubai: Defying all odds and disabilities, Pakistan and England produced a game of exhilarating cricket at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Global Cricket Academy ground on Saturday evening.

In a well fought contest, Pakistan beat England by 14 runs in the first International Physical Disability Twenty20 Cricket Series match. It was cricket with a difference as the physically challenged displayed their talents.

Pakistan skipper Salim Karim, whose right leg was left withered by polio and his left leg damaged in an accident, won the toss and elected to bat. Openers Altaf Ahmad and the one-handed Matloob Quraishi put on 26 runs for the opening wicket.

Shaun Rigby, who celebrated his 24th birthday during the match, removed both openers but Pakistan's wicketkeeper Danish Ahmad cracked 42 runs with support from Jahanzaib Tiwani (16) and Hasnain Alam (11). England skipper James Williams produced two brilliant run outs to restrict Pakistan to 120 for 8 in 20 overs.

England got off to a great start with openers Gordon Laidlaw and 16-year-old Callum Flynn putting on 44 runs in six overs before left-arm spinner Fayyaz Ahmad struck vital bowls to dismiss Flynn (20) and down Matthew Parington for 6. Skipper Williams hit a defiant 20 before being stumped by Danish Ahmad.

After Abdullah trapped Laidlaw leg before for 31, Tiwana picked three quick wickets for 14 runs. Ahmad, taking two tailenders' wickets, returned with figures of 4 for 12 runs to restrict England to 106 all out and also bag the man of the match award.

Unbelievable skills

Umpire Razzaq Shah, who officiated the match with Fidel Jarry, said: "Bowling and batting with just one arm and one leg, they produced unbelievable skills. It was a delight to watch Pakistan opener Quraishi bat with one hand and take catches."

Pakistan and England were scheduled to play their second T20 match late yesterday and will be involved in three 40-over One Day Internationals.

Amiruddin Ansari, the secretary of the Pakistan Disabled Cricket Association (PDCA), is hoping that this series will appeal to countries like Australia, India and Sri Lanka.

"We want to stage a World Cup for disabled cricketers, so for that we need the support of other countries and I hope in the next couple of years more and more countries will come to play this brand of the game," said Ansari, a former Pakistan first-class cricketer.