WCL2024: Pakistan Remain unbeaten, defeat India By 68 Runs
Pakistan's Kamran Akmal and Sharjeel Khan score 77 and 72, respectively, become top scorers
Lahore: In a major achievement, Pakistan outclassed India by 68 runs in the 8th match of the World Championship of Legends 2024 at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.
This was third win for Younis Khan’s men and they are now top of the points table of the six-team competition. They defeated Australia and West Indies previously.
Earlier, Pakistan smashed 243/4 after being put into bat. The Men in Green were provided a blistering start by the opening pair of Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal.
The duo hit 145 runs for the first wicket before Sharjeel departed in the 11th over.
Sharjeel made a 30-ball 72 powered by seven fours and five sixes. While Kamran continued the aggressive approach, scoring a 40-ball 77 before being bowled by Pawan Negi in the 14th over.
Sohaib Maqsood rubbed his shoulders in the middle with a powerful 26-ball 51. He hit five sixes and two fours.
Shahid Afridi went for a golden duck while Shoaib Malik remained not out on 18-ball 25.
India replied strongly at the start of the chase with Robin Uthappa scoring 12-ball 22. Sohail Khan removed him to bring the first wicket for Pakistan.
Ambati Rayadu and Suresh Raina paired up to trouble the Men in Green but Shoaib Malik had the better of Rayadu (39) to put India under pressure.
Malik kept the run rate in check as India could not accelerate. Wahab Riaz came to the attack and removed Irfan Pathan (15), Pawan Negi (1) in one over to put a further dent.
India managed 175/9 in their 20 overs with Anureet Singh minimizing the deficit with his 14-ball 20*.
Shoaib Malik took three wickets for 38 while Wahab finished with figures of 3/22.
