BIRMINGHAM – Pakistan Champions delivered a commanding performance to secure a 68-run victory over India Champions in the eighth match of the World Championship of Legends at Edgbaston on Saturday.
Pakistan’s innings was spearheaded by Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal, who both scored rapid half-centuries.
Sharjeel’s explosive 72 off 30 balls, featuring seven fours and five sixes, and Akmal’s 77 off 40 balls, highlighted by nine fours and four sixes, set a daunting target of 244 for India.
India Champions struggled from the start, with Robin Uthappa falling early despite a brisk 22 off 12 balls.
Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu then steadied the innings, but Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Rayudu’s 23-ball 39 and Raina’s 52 off 40 balls were not enough as India finished on 175/9.
Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz were instrumental in Pakistan’s bowling attack, taking three wickets each.
Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan chipped in with one wicket apiece. Malik’s pivotal breakthrough came when he dismissed Rayudu, which triggered a collapse, leaving India at 90/4 in 9.2 overs.
Pakistan’s batting dominance was evident from the start. Akmal and Sharjeel’s opening stand of 132 in the first ten overs laid the foundation.
Sohaib Maqsood continued the assault with a quickfire 51 off 26 balls, forming crucial partnerships with both Akmal and Shoaib Malik.
India’s bowling unit struggled, with Anureet Singh, Pawan Negi, RP Singh, and Dhawal Kulkarni each taking a single wicket.
Despite their efforts, the Pakistani batsmen proved too strong, amassing 244 runs in their 20 overs.
The victory propels Pakistan Champions to the top of the World Championship of Legends standings with six points from three matches. India Champions, with four points from four matches, remain in third place.
This match, part of a tournament sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), features retired cricket legends from around the world. Teams from Australia, South Africa, West Indies, India, and Pakistan compete, offering fans a nostalgic glimpse of their cricketing heroes in action.
