England and Australia came together to make sporting history on day six of the IBSA World Games as both countries’ blind women’s cricket teams played out an entertaining encounter.
The occasion marked the first ever cricket match to take place at the World Games, while it was England Blind Women’s first ever competitive cricket match.
England lost the toss and were put in to bat, making 128 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Australia, however, chased down their target with ease with five overs to spare, eventually winning by seven wickets.
In partially sighted football, England and Japan booked their places in the semi-finals with victories over Italy and Türkiye respectively.
The Three Lions ran out 3-0 winners over Italy, while Japan edged Türkiye 1-0. It means England and Japan will face each other on Monday evening at 5.30pm for a space in Tuesday’s final.
In the men’s blind football, Japan continued their 100 per cent record with a 1-0 victory against Türkiye, while there were also wins for Argentina and Italy as England bowed out with a 1-0 defeat to China.
Elsewhere in football, England Blind Women and Germany Blind Women started the day with a closely fought match to decide 7th place. After a 0-0 stalemate, Germany emerged victorious after winning 1-0 on penalties.
Morocco Blind Women secured a 5th placed finish with another slender 1-0 victory over Austria on penalties.
RESULTS IN FULL – Saturday 19th August
Women’s blind football
England 0-0 Germany (Germany won 1-0 on penalties) – 7th place match
Morocco 0-0 Austria (Morocco won 1-0 on penalties) – 5th place match
Men’s partially sighted football
France 1-1 Spain
Japan 2-1 Türkiye
Italy 0-3 England
Men’s blind football
Japan 1-0 Türkiye
Italy 3-2 Thailand
England 0-1 China
Germany 0-2 Argentina
Women’s cricket
England VI Women 128/8
Australia VI Women 130/3 (15.1)
See below for a gallery of the day’s events:
