Luke Sugg’s fourth hundred of the Blind Cricket World Cup was in vain as holders Pakistan beat England by eight wickets to reach tomorrow’s final.
Vice-captain Sugg’s 105 from number three helped England post 264 for eight in the Cape Town semi-final and took his tournament tally a whopping 629 runs.
Yet Pakistan, one of the powerhouses of blind cricket who defeated England by 207 runs in the group stage, overhauled the target in 17.4 of their 40 overs.
Muhammad Jamil led the chase with 117 not out from 57 deliveries, including a stunning 18 fours and two sixes, at the top of the order while Amir Ishfaq’s 20-ball also hurried Pakistan along.
Ed Hossel claimed England’s two wickets, the first thanks to captain Matt Dean’s catch and the second by bowling Ishfaq.
Justin Hollingsworth earlier made good on Dean wining the toss with 53 at the top of the order.
On a gloriously sunny day, Hollingsworth and Sugg added 56 for the third wicket before the centurion dominated a stand of 82 with Matt Page.
After wickets had fallen around him, Sugg was the last man out in the closing overs having hit eight fours in his 85 balls.