Pakistan Outclasses India to Secure Third Victory in Legends 2024

News Desk 

Islamabad: In a significant achievement, Pakistan triumphed over India by 68 runs in the 8th match of the World Championship of Legends 2024 held at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on Saturday night. 

This victory marked the third win for Younis Khan’s team, placing them at the top of the points table in the six-team competition, following their previous wins against Australia and the West Indies.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted an impressive total of 243/4. The opening pair, Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal, gave a stellar start, amassing 145 runs for the first wicket.

Sharjeel contributed a rapid 72 off 30 balls, hitting seven fours and five sixes before getting out in the 11th over.

Kamran Akmal maintained the momentum, scoring 77 off 40 balls until he was bowled by Pawan Negi in the 14th over. 

Sohaib Maqsood then added a quick 51 off 26 balls with five sixes and two fours. Shahid Afridi was dismissed for a golden duck, while Shoaib Malik remained unbeaten with a 25 off 18 balls.

In response, India began their chase energetically with Robin Uthappa scoring 22 off 12 balls before being dismissed by Sohail Khan. Despite a strong partnership between Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina, Shoaib Malik’s dismissal of Rayudu for 39 put India under pressure.

Malik’s bowling, along with Wahab Riaz’s crucial wickets of Irfan Pathan (15) and Pawan Negi (1) in a single over, hindered India’s scoring rate. Suresh Raina fought valiantly, scoring 52 off 40 balls, but was eventually bowled by Sohail Tanvir in the 19th over.

India finished their innings at 175/9, with Anureet Singh adding an unbeaten 20 off 14 balls.

Malik and Wahab Riaz were the standout bowlers for Pakistan, taking three wickets each, with Malik conceding 38 runs and Wahab 22.

Playing XIs:

Pakistan Champions: Kamran Akmal (wk), Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan (c), Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Khan.

India Champions: Robin Uthappa (wk), Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Pawan Negi, Harbhajan Singh (c), Anureet Singh, RP Singh, Dhawal Kulkarni.