Pakistan defeated India by 68 runs in the eighth match of the World Championship of Legends 2024 at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on Saturday.
The victory marks the third consecutive win for Younis Khan and his team, propelling them to the top of the points table in the six-team competition, following previous victories against Australia and the West Indies.
Pakistan, after being put into bat, posted an imposing total of 243/4.
The opening pair, Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal, provided a blistering start, accumulating 145 runs for the first wicket.
Sharjeel scored a rapid 72 off 30 balls, featuring seven fours and five sixes, before being dismissed in the 11th over. Kamran Akmal continued the aggressive onslaught, making 77 off 40 balls before being bowled by Pawan Negi in the 14th over. Sohaib Maqsood further bolstered the innings with a powerful 51 off 26 balls, while Shoaib Malik remained unbeaten with 25 off 18 balls.
India started strongly with Robin Uthappa scoring 22 off 12 balls before being removed by Sohail Khan.
Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina tried to stabilize the innings, but Shoaib Malik's crucial dismissal of Rayudu (39) and his tight bowling kept the run rate in check. Wahab Riaz then dismantled India's middle order, taking key wickets including Irfan Pathan (15) and Pawan Negi (1) in one over. Raina fought valiantly with 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 a late 20* off 14 balls. Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz were the standout bowlers for Pakistan, taking three wickets each with figures of 3/38 and 3/22, respectively.
