Pakistan steamrolls India at World Championship of Legends

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan steamrolled India to a 68-run victory, clinching their third straight win at the World Championship of Legends 2024 in Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK).

Fans at Edgbaston Stadium got to relive history as former legendary players of both South Asian teams battled it out on the field.

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Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. The Men in Green set a strong target of 244 runs for the loss of just four wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Legends Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal chased a 145-run partnership. Sharjeel thundered to 72 runs off just 30 balls. He smashed seven 4s and five 6s in a display of explosive batting.

Former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal showcased his batting prowess with a strong innings of 77 runs off just 40 balls, guiding the ball to nine boundaries (4s) and four 6s with his bat.

Not to be outdone, Sohaib Maqsood scored a brisk 51 off 26 balls.

However, Shahid Afridi’s innings ended disappointingly with a duck, while Shoaib Malik contributed 25 runs to the total.

When India came to bat, Ambati Rayudu put up a strong fight. He scored 39 runs off 23 balls. Similarly, Robin Uthappa contributed 22 runs from 12 balls.

The standout performance for India came from Suresh Raina, who smashed 52 runs, albeit off 40 balls—a contrast to Pakistan’s more efficient scoring.

Indian batsmen struggled against Pakistan’s bowlers. Sohail Khan took two wickets for 18 runs in two overs. Shoaib Malik also claimed two wickets but conceded 38 runs in his four overs. Meanwhile, Wahab Riaz was impressive with three wickets for just 22 runs.

It was Sohail Tanvir, however, that removed the dangerous Suresh Raina from the crease.

India chugged to 175 runs at a loss of 9 wickets by the end of their innings.

Pakistan’s victory over India marks their third straight win in the seniors’ World Cup. They now lead the points table with three wins from three matches in the six-team competition.

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Pakistan’s third win at the Edgbaston Stadium highlights Pakistan’s momentum in the World Championship of Legends 2024, setting a high standard for their campaign. Meanwhile, India needs to regroup for their upcoming matches.