Pakistan beat India to register third win in World Championship of Legends 2024

Pakistan champions defeated India champions by 68 runs to secure their third consecutive victory in the ongoing World Championship of Legends 2024 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

After being put into bat by India, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 243/4 in the eighth match of the tournament. The Men in Green were off to a blazing start with the opening duo of Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal. They amassed a 145-run partnership for the first wicket before Sharjeel fell in the 11th over.

Sharjeel scored a blistering 72 off 30 balls, featuring seven fours and five sixes. Kamran continued the aggressive onslaught, making 77 off 40 balls before being bowled by Pawan Negi in the 14th over.

Sohaib Maqsood added to the total with a powerful 51 off 26 balls, hitting five sixes and two fours. Shahid Afridi was dismissed for a golden duck, while Shoaib Malik remained unbeaten with 25 off 18 balls.

In reply, India started their chase strongly, with Robin Uthappa scoring a quickfire 22 off 12 balls. Sohail Khan claimed his wicket, marking Pakistan's first breakthrough.

Ambati Rayadu and Suresh Raina formed a partnership that posed challenges for Pakistan, but Shoaib Malik dismissed Rayadu for 39 runs, putting pressure on India.

Malik's tight bowling kept India's run rate in check, preventing them from accelerating. Wahab Riaz then struck, taking two crucial wickets in one over—those of Irfan Pathan (15) and Pawan Negi (1)—further denting India's momentum.

Raina fought a solitary battle, scoring 52 off 40 balls before being bowled by Sohail Tanvir. India managed to reach 175/9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Anureet Singh contributing a quick 20 not out off 14 balls towards the end.

Shoaib Malik ended with figures of 3 wickets for 38 runs, while Wahab Riaz finished with 3 wickets for 22 runs.