Pakistan emerged victorious over England with a margin of 79 runs in the World Championship of Legends 2024, held at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.
The Pakistan team remains undefeated, securing their fourth victory in the World Championship of Legends. They had already defeated Australia, West Indies, and their arch-rivals India.
Pakistan batted first and scored 196 runs, losing four wickets in the process. Pakistan’s opening batsmen, Kamran Akmal and Sharjeel Khan, were dismissed after scoring 11 and 13 runs, respectively.
However, a formidable 121-run collaboration between Sohaib Maqsood and Shoaib Malik established the groundwork for Pakistan to achieve a substantial score.
Sohaib Maqsood scored 64 runs in 44 balls, while Malik scored 51 runs in 33 balls.
Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, who is captaining the team in the absence of Younis Khan, scored 23 runs from 14 balls, while Abdul Razzaq scored 20 runs from 9 balls.
England, in pursuit of the 197-run mark, suffered an early setback as their skipper Kevin Pietersen was dismissed. Ian Bell, who was batting at number 11, was the second player to be dismissed because to Yasir Arafat’s run out.
Meanwhile, Phil Mustard maintained one end to ensure England’s competitiveness in the game.
Mustard, aged 34, left the game as he attempted to increase his speed, while Kevin O’Brien, aged 24, was bowled out cleanly by Shoaib Malik.
Pakistan did not have success in dismissing any other batters consistently. England were dismissed for a total of 117 runs.
Saeed Ajmal claimed three wickets, while Abdul Razzaq secured two. Shoaib Malik, Sohail Khan, and Aamer Yamin each secured a wicket.
Pakistan has secured its place in the semi-finals of the World Championship of Legends.
