India seals win over Pakistan in World Legends Championship

BIRMINGHAM: India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the World Championship of Legends 2024 final at Edgbaston Stadium on Saturday.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, posting a total of 156 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

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Shoaib Malik top-scored with 41 runs, followed by Kamran Akmal at 24 and Sohaib Maqsood at 21.

Indian bowlers Anureet Singh claimed 3 wickets, managing to restrict Pakistan’s innings. Vinay Kumar and Pawan Negi also took a single wicket each.

In response, India started steadily with Robin Uthappa and Ambati Rayadu before losing Uthappa early in the innings. However, Rayadu anchored the chase with a half-century off just 30 balls. His batting laid the foundation for India’s successful pursuit of the target.

Gurkeerat Singh Mann scored 34 runs as he formed a partnership with Rayadu to stabilise India’s innings after initial setbacks. Yusuf Pathan scored 30 off 16 balls, ensuring India reached the target comfortably in the 19.1 overs.

Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Aamer Yamin who took 2 wickets for 29 runs. Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal, and Shoaib Malik also picked up one wicket each, but they struggled to contain India’s batting firepower.

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Pakistan captain Younis Khan acknowledged India’s performance, particularly their adeptness in building partnerships and executing plans effectively in both batting and bowling.