New Delhi: Centuries by openers Salman and Md.Ashiqur Rahman helped Bangladesh overcome Nepal by 114 runs to secure their second consecutive victory in the 3rd T20 Cricket World Cup for the Blind played at the Sledge Hammer Cricket Academy, Faridabad. In the other round robin match played at Saket Sports Complex, South Africa beat Australia by 5 wickets to open their account in the tournament.
Bangladesh were put into bat by Nepal’s captain Khemananda Ghatre. The Bangla openers put on a massive unbeaten partnership to flatten the Nepal bowling attack. Salman played an unbeaten knock of 125 in 65 balls with the help of 20 boundaries. Md. Ashiqur Rahman smashed 118 runs of 60 balls (19×4, 1×6) to take Bangladesh’s total to 267/0 in 20 overs. In reply Nepal could not manage 153/7 in their 20 overs. Only opener Santa Pahari could offer some resistance in the Nepal innings scoring 51 runs (54 balls, 6 x 4). Salman was adjudged the Man of the Match.
Electing to field South Africa restricted Australia to 180/7 in 20 overs. Brewer Maiga Ned (69, 42 balls, 9 x 4) and Zannis Michael (34, 31 balls, 2 x 4) put together 81 runs for the second wicket to give Australia a good platform but they lost regular wickets towards the end of the innings restricting their total to 180. Chasing the challenging total South Africa were cruising towards the target backed by knocks from Issac Asanda Bidla (70, 45 balls, 7 x 4) and Sphelele Khalala (26, 32 balls, 1 x 4). Sphelele Khalala was retired hurt when the score was 132/1. South Africa lost four wickets for 47 runs but eventually was over the line in 18.3 overs. Issac Asanda Bidla was adjudged the man of the match.
Scores:
Bangladesh – 267/0 in 20 overs (Salman – 125 not out, Md. Ashiqur Rahman – 118 not out) bt Nepal – 153/7 in 20 overs (Santa Pahari – 51)
Australia – 180/7 in 20 overs (Brewer Maiga Ned – 69, Zannis Michael – 34; Siyavuya Mahlikihla – 2/22) lost to South Africa – 184/5 in 18.3 overs ( Issac Asanda Bidla – 70, Sphelele Khalala – 26)
