Pakistan Beats WIC Champions by 30 Runs
Younis Khan and Co. defeated West Indies in Birmingham
Pakistan secured their second victory in the ongoing World Championship of Legends as they triumphed over West Indies by 29 runs at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan faced an early setback when Kamran Akmal managed only 5 runs off 7 balls. However, Sharjeel Khan’s aggressive innings of 35 off just 15 deliveries provided impetus to their innings. Sohaib Maqsood chipped in with a quickfire 22 off 12 balls. The standout performance came from veteran Shoaib Malik, who anchored the innings with a composed 54 off 41 balls, including five fours and a six. Contributions from Shahid Afridi (16 off 10 balls) and Aamer Yamin (29 off 11 balls) in the final overs pushed Pakistan’s total to 194/8.
West Indies’ bowlers struggled to contain Pakistan’s batsmen, with Ashley Nurse being the most successful with figures of 3/20. Fidel Edwards supported with 2/46 as Pakistan set a challenging target of 195 runs.
In response, West Indies started their chase positively with opener Dwayne Smith scoring a brisk 65 off 46 balls. Jonathan Carter added a valuable 34 off 25 balls. However, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, taking wickets at crucial intervals. Sohail Tanvir was the standout performer with impressive figures of 4/14, dismantling West Indies’ top order. Shahid Afridi complemented with 3/41, while Wahab Riaz contributed with 2/18, restricting West Indies to 165/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Pakistan’s victory was a result of disciplined bowling and effective batting performances under pressure. The win follows their earlier success against Australia, showcasing their strong form in the tournament. Players and fans celebrated the team’s performance, recognizing the contributions from both seasoned veterans and emerging talents.
With this win, Pakistan solidified their position in the tournament standings and bolstered their confidence as they aim for further success in the World Championship of Legends. The team’s next challenge awaits as they continue their campaign, looking to maintain their winning momentum in pursuit of the championship title.