Pakistan clinched the blind cricket World Cup after cruising to a five-wicket win over holders South Africa in the final with 16 balls to spare.

Chasing 256 for victory, Pakistan looked in trouble early on at 74 for three, before Mohammad Ashraf Bhatti steered them home with an unbeaten 87 off 96 balls.

He was helped along the way by useful knocks from Muhammad Shahbaz, skipper Abdul Razzaq and Muhammad Fayaz, which finished 25 not out.

Pakistan's gamble on asking the 1998 champions to bat first in Madras was rewarded when South Africa were reduced to 86 for five by the 15th over.

Nathan Meyer and Riann Liebenberg added 96 runs for the sixth wicket, both men making half-centuries.

And a quickfire 34 balls from Pieta Le Roux got South Africa to 255 for eight in their 40 overs, but it was not enough for South Africa to hold on to their crown.