BIRMINGHAM, England: Pakistan Champions secured a decisive 68-run victory over Indian Champions in the 8th match of the World Championship of Legends 2024 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham late Saturday night.
This win marks Pakistan’s third consecutive victory in the tournament, placing them at the top of the points table among six competing teams, having previously defeated Australia and West Indies.
Batting first after being put into bat, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 243/4. The opening pair of Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal set the tone with a scintillating partnership of 145 runs for the first wicket. Sharjeel Khan’s aggressive innings of 72 off just 30 balls, including seven fours and five sixes, provided a blazing start. Kamran Akmal continued the onslaught with a quickfire 77 off 40 balls before being dismissed in the 14th over.
Sohaib Maqsood contributed significantly with a powerful 26-ball 51, smashing five sixes and two fours. However, Shahid Afridi was dismissed for a golden duck, while Shoaib Malik remained unbeaten with a crucial 25 off 18 balls.
In response, India began their chase strongly with Robin Uthappa scoring a brisk 22 off 12 balls. Sohail Khan struck early to remove Uthappa, but Ambati Rayadu and Suresh Raina steadied India’s innings. Shoaib Malik’s crucial breakthrough by dismissing Rayadu for 39 turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor. Wahab Riaz’s impactful spell of 3/22 further dented India’s hopes, claiming quick wickets of Irfan Pathan and Pawan Negi in one over.
Despite a valiant effort from Suresh Raina, who scored 52 off 40 balls, India could only manage 175/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Anureet Singh’s unbeaten 20 off 14 balls minimized the margin of defeat for India.
Shoaib Malik emerged as the star with the ball for Pakistan, taking three wickets for 38 runs, while Wahab Riaz’s bowling spell played a crucial role in restricting India’s batting lineup.
The World Championship of Legends 2024 matches are being broadcast live on private channel captivating cricket fans worldwide with thrilling encounters between legendary players.
This victory for Pakistan underscores their dominance in the tournament and sets the stage for exciting future matches in the World Championship of Legends 2024.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan Champions: Younis Khan (c), Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Khan, Kamran Akmal (wk).
India Champions: Harbhajan Singh (c), Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Pawan Negi, Anureet Singh, RP Singh, Dhawal Kulkarni, Robin Uthappa (wk).
