Known to conquer Pakistan in finals, the Indian blind cricket team suffered a reversal in the Triangular Blind Cricket Series final at Sharjah on Saturday. The 58-run loss was India’s first defeat to Pakistan in a decider. Batting first at the Victoria Sports Services ground, Pakistan posted a mammoth 216-3 in the allotted 20 overs. Opener Nisar Ali and all-rounder Badar Muneer smashed 70 and 63 respectively. India’s reply was disastrous; three wickets lost for just 10 runs in the second over itself.

Opener Sunil Ramesh fought well to score a 66-ball 92 (10x4, 1x6), but that was not enough as they ended with 158-9 in 20 overs. Pacer Muneer claimed 3-21. “They [Pakistan] were very good in all three departments. We need to learn how to perform under pressure. We must improve our running between wickets and fielding,” said Ramesh, who was adjudged Man of the Series for his 187 runs in the tournament.