Pakistan Champions clinch spot in WCL 2024 final with win over West Indies

WEB DESK: In an exciting first semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024, Pakistan Champions triumphed over West Indies Champions by 20 runs at County Ground in Northampton on Friday.

Setting a target of 199 runs, Pakistan’s bowlers delivered an impressive performance, successfully restricting West Indies to 178 runs. Sohail Khan was the standout player, claiming four wickets and leading his team into the tournament final, where they will face either India or Australia.

The West Indies started their innings sluggishly, managing just seven runs in the first four overs. However, Chris Gayle ignited the innings with some aggressive shots, scoring 26 runs before being dismissed by Sohail.

Despite occasional resistance, including a quick-fire 36 off 24 balls from Ashley Nurse, who was run out by Kamran Akmal, the West Indies struggled to build momentum. Rayad Emrit added a swift 29 runs off nine balls but ultimately fell to Shoaib Malik, as the West Indies lost wickets regularly.

Pakistan’s bowlers were effective throughout, with Wahab Riaz and Shoaib Malik each taking two wickets alongside Sohail’s four.

Batting first, Pakistan had a shaky start, losing three early wickets—Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, and Shoaib Malik—without significant contributions. However, a pivotal partnership of 77 runs between captain Younis Khan and Kamran Akmal steadied the innings.

According to Geo Super, Akmal scored 46 runs off 31 balls, hitting eight boundaries before his dismissal. Younis eventually fell to Fidel Edwards after scoring 65 runs, but not before Pakistan managed to post a competitive total.

With this victory, Pakistan Champions have secured their place in the final, marking a significant achievement in the WCL 2024.

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