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ISLAMABAD - Defending champions Pakistan got off to flying by thrashing Iraq 20-0 in only five innings in the 12th West Asian Baseball Cup, which commenced here at Pakistan Sports Complex outer stadium Monday.

The match was scheduled for nine innings each side, but Pakistan didn’t require full quota of innings due to their superior score. IPC minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada graced the occasion as chief guest, while Pakistan Baseball Federation (PBF) president Shaukat Javed, secretary Syed Khawar Shah, PSB DG Dr Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera, DDG Facilities Agha Amjedullah, DDG Shahidul Islam, director NFC Azam Dar, deputy director hostels Malik Imtiaz Hussain, PBF officials and PSB top brass along with other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Earlier, Afghanistan team was disqualified from the cup, as they failed to bring required documents of the players and were trying to cheat by including Pakistani players residing in Kohat and other parts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sensing the fraud, the PBF, as per international rules, were left with no other option but to disqualify Afghans. Now the event will be played between India, Iran, Iraq and hosts Pakistan. The event is being played on single league basis, the team, which manages to get maximum points, will be declared champion and awarded with gold medals.

Pakistan started the match on a high note and sent clear warning to the opponents. In the inaugural match, Pakistan started superbly and outclassed Iraq in all departments who were looking completely hapless. The match was played on nine innings format. Iraq batted first but could not open their account in the first innings, while Pakistan team made six runs in the second innings. Iraq once again failed to open their account, while Pakistan added 10 more runs in the third innings. Iraq once again failed to open the account, while Pakistan added two more runs in the fourth innings. Iraq continued their poor show and provided Pakistan chance to add more runs and thrash them fully.

When Pakistan’s tally reached to 20, they were declared winners according to international rules, as after five innings, if a team had 15-run lead, they are awarded match and after seven innings, 10-run lead is considered enough for victory. Sumair Awan scored three runs, Umar Waqas and Ahsan Baig added two each, while player of the match Fazalur Rehman hit a home run for the winners. India will take on Iran in the second match of the event today, the match will start at 11:00am.

Talking to The Nation, Indian team captain Pankaj Chand was full of praise for the organizers. “We have been provided the best possible assistance from border to Islamabad, and we are fully satisfied with the security arrangements and have no complain whatsoever. I am already loving the place and don't feel any fear. Even here it seems we are in India. I must appreciate the breakfast and meal provided to us on the very first day of our visit. I am thankful to deputy director hostels Mailk Imtiaz Hussain and his team for taking good care of us. We are playing baseball in India for the last several years. We have brought a very balanced side and we are looking forward for a tough encounter with the current holders Pakistan. We have witnessed the match and will try to take advantage from Pakistan's mistakes.”

To a query, Pankaj replied: “Pakistan will be a tough team to take on and we would love to play a do-or-die match against the hosts. We know as defending champions and hosts, Pakistan worked very hard and prepared a tough side, but we have no fear and will enter the match with only one thing in mind to win the encounter.”

Sharing his views, PBF secretary Khawar Shah said: “Each team has brought an umpire, while six umpires are from Pakistan. I am the chief judge, and in case of any objection, I will deliver the verdict which will be final. I am grateful to the PSB for preparing the venue in such a short time especially IPC Minister Mian Riaz who managed his precious time to inaugurate the international event. His presence means a lot for our players who will try their best to deliver and win the coveted trophy for the country.”