Pakistan Triumphs Over India with 68-Run Victory in WCL 2024 Clash

In a thrilling showdown late Saturday night, the Pakistan Champions secured a commanding 68-run victory over the India Champions in the 8th match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024, held at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham.

This victory marks the third win for Younis Khan’s squad, catapulting them to the top of the points table in the six-team tournament. Previously, they had triumphed over Australia and the West Indies.

Batting first, Pakistan posted an impressive total of 243/4. The opening partnership between Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal provided a fiery start, accumulating 145 runs for the first wicket. Sharjeel scored a rapid 72 off 30 balls, including seven fours and five sixes, before being dismissed in the 11th over. Kamran continued the onslaught with a 40-ball 77, eventually bowled by Pawan Negi in the 14th over.

Sohaib Maqsood further boosted the score with a powerful 51 off 26 balls, hitting five sixes and two fours. Despite Shahid Afridi’s golden duck, Shoaib Malik remained unbeaten, contributing 25 runs off 18 balls.

In response, India started strongly with Robin Uthappa scoring 22 off 12 balls before being dismissed by Sohail Khan. Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina attempted to stabilize the innings, but Shoaib Malik’s crucial dismissal of Rayudu (39) put India under pressure.

Wahab Riaz’s impressive spell, including the wickets of Irfan Pathan (15) and Pawan Negi (1) in one over, further dented India’s chase. Raina fought valiantly with a 52 off 40 balls but was bowled by Sohail Tanvir in the 19th over.

India ultimately managed 175/9 in their 20 overs, with Anureet Singh adding an unbeaten 20 off 14 balls. Malik finished with figures of 3/38, while Wahab Riaz recorded 3/22.

The WCL 2024 matches are broadcast live on Geo Super.

Playing XIs:
Pakistan Champions: Kamran Akmal (wk), Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan (c), Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Khan

India Champions: Robin Uthappa (wk), Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Pawan Negi, Harbhajan Singh (c), Anureet Singh, RP Singh, Dhawal Kulkarni