Pakistan Defeats India by 68 Runs in World Championship of Legends 2024
Birmingham, The Gulf Observer: In a thrilling encounter at Edgbaston Stadium late Saturday night, Pakistan secured a commanding victory over India by 68 runs in the 8th match of the World Championship of Legends 2024.
This victory marks Pakistan’s third consecutive win in the six-team competition, placing them at the top of the points table. Prior to this match, Younis Khan’s men had triumphed over Australia and West Indies.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan set a formidable total of 243/4 on the board. The innings was kickstarted by a scintillating opening partnership between Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal, who amassed 145 runs for the first wicket. Sharjeel Khan led the charge with a rapid-fire 30-ball 72, featuring seven boundaries and five sixes, before departing in the 11th over. Kamran Akmal continued the onslaught with a brisk 40-ball 77, eventually falling to Pawan Negi in the 14th over. Sohaib Maqsood further bolstered Pakistan’s total with a powerful 26-ball 51, highlighted by five sixes and two fours. Shahid Afridi endured a brief stay, departing for a golden duck, while Shoaib Malik remained unbeaten on a quickfire 18-ball 25.
In response, India began their chase aggressively with Robin Uthappa contributing a brisk 12-ball 22. However, Sohail Khan struck early to remove Uthappa, providing Pakistan with their first breakthrough. Ambati Rayadu and Suresh Raina formed a steady partnership, but Shoaib Malik’s crucial dismissal of Rayadu for 39 tilted the match in Pakistan’s favor. Malik’s tight bowling further restricted India’s run rate, and Wahab Riaz’s destructive spell saw the dismissals of Irfan Pathan (15) and Pawan Negi (1) in quick succession. Raina fought valiantly with a well-crafted 52 off 40 deliveries, but his dismissal in the 19th over to Sohail Tanvir sealed India’s fate. Despite Anureet Singh’s unbeaten 20 off 14 balls, India managed only 175/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Shoaib Malik starred with the ball for Pakistan, claiming three crucial wickets for 38 runs, while Wahab Riaz finished with impressive figures of 3/22.
