ISLAMABAD: Pakistan crushed India 14-1 in the semi-final of the West Asia Baseball Cup, extending their dominance from strategic borders to sporting arenas.
The national baseball team will now face Palestine in the final of the tournament tomorrow in the West Asia Baseball Cup in Karaj of Iran.
Pakistan didn’t waste time. The team struck early with five runs in the first inning, repeating the assault in the third. Third baseman Hussain stood tall, delivering two hits, two RBIs, and scoring four times — a spark plug that ignited the entire lineup.
Centre fielder Wasim Akram and designated hitter Muhammad Rehan each added to the offensive storm with a combined four hits and four RBIs, keeping the Indian defence on the back foot throughout.
On the mound, Muhammad Haris threw a composed 4.1 innings, conceding just one earned run and striking out four. The bullpen duo of Syed Muhib Shah and Hussain Imam iced the game, punching out five more Indian batters over the final 2.2 innings.
India, despite scoring their only run in the first inning, never found rhythm. With just four hits to show for their efforts and ten fielding errors, the blue shirts crumbled under pressure. Their pitchers also gifted Pakistan eight walks, allowing the game to slip through their fingers without resistance.
With the win, Pakistan not only advanced to the final, where they’ll face Palestine tomorrow, but also secured qualification for the Asian Baseball Championship — a crucial step for the team aiming to solidify its regional supremacy.
The final is not just about defending the title. It’s about continuing a narrative — one of rising sports prowess, unity, and national pride.
In a video message, Pakistan Federation Baseball President Syed Fakhar Ali Shah dedicated the victory to the armed forces of Pakistan, linking the triumph on the sports field to the resilience shown on the country’s frontlines.
“This win is not just for the team, it’s for every Pakistani, and especially for our brave armed forces,” Shah stated.
From the Line of Control to the baseball diamond, Pakistan has delivered a firm reminder: whether in defence or in play, it stands strong, united, and victorious.
