BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions set a target of 157 runs for Indian Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024 final at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on Saturday.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan suffered an early setback with Sharjeel Khan dismissed for 9 runs in the second over. Sohaib Maqsood (21) tried to stabilize the innings but was bowled by Vinay Kumar, adding pressure on the Men in Green.
Kamran Akmal (9-24) failed to capitalize on his start, while Younis Khan managed only seven runs, unable to replicate his semi-final performance. Shoaib Malik held one end but struggled to accelerate, scoring 41 off 36 balls.
Misbah-ul-Haq contributed 18 off 15 balls before retiring out. Sohail Tanvir’s quickfire 19* towards the end boosted Pakistan’s total beyond 150.
Anureet Singh was India’s standout bowler, claiming three wickets. Pakistan has been dominant in WCL 2024, losing just one match, their final group game against South Africa.
Throughout WCL 2024, Pakistan has been formidable, losing only one match in their last group encounter against South Africa. Led by Younis Khan, the team defeated Australia, India, England, and West Indies in the group stage, displaying top-notch form.
In the semi-final against West Indies, Pakistan set a target of 199 runs. Their bowlers, led by Sohail Khan’s four-wicket haul, restricted West Indies to 178 runs, securing their spot in the tournament’s final.
India reached the semi-final due to a superior Net Run Rate (NRR) over South Africa, winning two out of five group matches. However, they suffered an 86-run defeat at the hands of Australia in the semi-final. Australia struggled to chase the 255-run target set by India, finishing their innings at 168-7 in the allotted overs.
Playing XIs
India Champions: Robin Uthappa(w), Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh(c), Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Pawan Negi, Vinay Kumar, Harbhajan Singh, Rahul Shukla, Anureet Singh
Pakistan Champions: Kamran Akmal(w), Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan(c), Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Khan
