Pakistan champions defeated India champions by 68 runs to secure their third consecutive victory in the ongoing World Championship of Legends 2024 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

After being put into bat by India, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 243/4 in the eighth match of the tournament. The Men in Green were off to a blazing start with the opening duo of Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal. They amassed a 145-run partnership for the first wicket before Sharjeel fell in the 11th over.

Sharjeel scored a blistering 72 off 30 balls, featuring seven fours and five sixes. Kamran continued the aggressive onslaught, making 77 off 40 balls before being bowled by Pawan Negi in the 14th over.

Sohaib Maqsood added to the total with a powerful 51 off 26 balls, hitting five sixes and two fours. Shahid Afridi was dismissed for a golden duck, while Shoaib Malik remained unbeaten with 25 off 18 balls.

In reply, India started their chase strongly, with Robin Uthappa scoring a quickfire 22 off 12 balls. Sohail Khan claimed his wicket, marking Pakistan's first breakthrough.

Ambati Rayadu and Suresh Raina formed a partnership that posed challenges for Pakistan, but Shoaib Malik dismissed Rayadu for 39 runs, putting pressure on India.

Malik's tight bowling kept India's run rate in check, preventing them from accelerating. Wahab Riaz then struck, taking two crucial wickets in one over—those of Irfan Pathan (15) and Pawan Negi (1)—further denting India's momentum.

Raina fought a solitary battle, scoring 52 off 40 balls before being bowled by Sohail Tanvir. India managed to reach 175/9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Anureet Singh contributing a quick 20 not out off 14 balls towards the end.

Shoaib Malik ended with figures of 3 wickets for 38 runs, while Wahab Riaz finished with 3 wickets for 22 runs.

Eyeing trophy

Younis Khan shared his thoughts after leading the Pakistan Champions to a decisive victory over the India Champions in the World Championship of Legends.

The inaugural edition of the World Championship of Legends 2024 (WCL 2024) is in full swing in England. Organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), this T20 tournament started on July 3 and will conclude with the final on July 13 in Birmingham.

On Saturday, the Pakistan Champions ended India’s two-game winning streak with a resounding 68-run victory, marking their third consecutive win in the tournament.

During the post-match press conference, Younis Khan addressed a journalist's question about the perception that the Pakistan Champions, comprised of retired cricketers, appear fitter than the current Pakistan national team.

Younis responded, “It’s not like that. Our current national team is very fit. When a team doesn’t win, such things are said. We are winning, which is why people are speaking positively about us.”

He added that their goal is to win the tournament and give their fans something to cheer about, particularly because many fans have become disheartened following the Pakistan team's poor performance in the recent T20 World Cup.

“We aim to win the trophy and give our fans something to smile about, especially since many fans are becoming disheartened after the Pakistan team’s poor performance in the T20 World Cup,” he added.