England miss out on T20 Blind World Cup Final
The England Visually Impaired Cricket team have missed out on a place in the T20 Bind World Cup final, after losing to a strong Pakistan side in the semi-final in Bangalore today.
The 147 run defeat at the Karnataka State Cricket Association Ground means that Pakistan will face hosts India in the final.
Pakistan amassed 309-1 from their 20 overs. Both openers compiled quick-fire centuries, with Bara Munir making 103 from 43 balls before retiring out. Partner Isar Hassan finished unbeaten with 143 from 69, with 25 boundaries including a six.
England's Matt Page led the reply with a spirited 41, but England eventually ended on 162-7, 147 runs short. Captain Luke Sugg made an unbeaten 34.
Speaking after play today, England’s captain, Luke Sugg, said:
“On the day they (Pakistan) were the better side. We needed a little bit of luck, a couple of early wickets in the power play would have really helped. Credit to them, their openers played well and didn’t take too many risks early on.
“We knew that if we played to our best, anything would have been possible. They bowled good lines, bowled to their fields and restricted us with the bat.
“I am incredibly proud of all of the players. At the end of it (the tournament) we played our best cricket to win five on the bounce and make the semis. It was an incredible effort from the boys but we probably just ran out of steam. We’ve learnt a lot about how improve our game and we’ll come again.”
England coach, Ross Hunter, added:
“I think at the half way stage, we thought keeping them to 300 was a good effort. We came into this tournament knowing 300 is what we’d need to get in order to beat Pakistan and India. Unfortunately we lost wickets at crucial times.
“We have developed as a squad and peaked at the right times. It’s been an unbelievable opportunity to play in some of the best grounds that I’ve seen. To have the chance to play in front of 20,000 people. The players will never forget that.
“Throughout the tournament, we’ve been blown away by the support of the Indian people and the culture. They have such love and passion for the game.”
England Head of Disability Cricket, Ian Martin, said:
“On behalf of ECB (England Cricket Board), I am really proud of the boys. It was a difficult schedule, having the top three teams in the first four games. To show the character to win five on the bounce to make the semi-finals, it augurs well for the future.
“They are a young squad and we have everything in place to develop the team and go one step further next time.”
