South Africa hands Pakistan first defeat in World Championship of Legends 2024

Pakistan faced their first loss in the World Championship of Legends 2024 against South Africa at County Ground, Northampton on Monday. 

Despite setting a challenging target of 211 runs, the Men in Green couldn't hold off the Proteas, who successfully chased down the total in the 19th over with just one wicket down.

Batting first after being asked to by South Africa, Pakistan posted a competitive 210/4. Kamran Akmal's early dismissal for 13 set the stage for Sharjeel Khan, who anchored the innings with a blistering 72 off 36 balls, featuring seven fours and six sixes. 

Support came from Sohaib Maqsood (24) in an 85-run partnership. Shahid Afridi's quickfire 20 off 10 balls added impetus, while late contributions from Shoaib Malik (51 off 26 balls) and Abdul Razzaq (25 off 15 balls) propelled Pakistan past the 200-run mark.

In response, South Africa lost JP Duminy early but recovered swiftly with Jacques Snyman (82 off 47 balls) and Sarel Erwee's sensational century (105 off 57 balls). Their partnership proved decisive as South Africa chased down the target comfortably.

Despite the loss, Pakistan remains on track for the semi-finals having won their first four matches. Alongside Australia, they have secured their spots, while India, West Indies, and South Africa are still in contention. England, however, has been eliminated from the final four race.