BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions have set a target of 157 runs for Indian Champions in the World Championship Of Legends (WCL) 2024 final at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.
Pakistan, opting to bat first, faced an early setback with Sharjeel Khan dismissed for 9 runs in the second over. Sohaib Maqsood (21) attempted to stabilize the innings but fell victim to Vinay Kumar’s bowling, intensifying pressure on the Men in Green.
Kamran Akmal (9-24) couldn’t capitalize on his start, while Younis Khan managed only seven runs, failing to replicate his semi-final performance. Shoaib Malik anchored one end, scoring 41 off 36 balls, but struggled to accelerate. Misbah-ul-Haq contributed 18 off 15 balls before retiring out. Sohail Tanvir’s brisk 19* towards the end propelled Pakistan’s total beyond 150.
Anureet Singh emerged as India’s standout bowler, claiming three wickets. Pakistan has been dominant throughout WCL 2024, losing only one match in their final group encounter against South Africa.
Under the leadership of Younis Khan, Pakistan defeated Australia, India, England, and West Indies in the group stage, showcasing exceptional form. In the semi-final against West Indies, Pakistan set a target of 199 runs. Their bowlers, led by Sohail Khan’s four-wicket haul, restricted West Indies to 178 runs, securing their place in the tournament’s final.
India progressed to the semi-final on the basis of a superior Net Run Rate (NRR) over South Africa, having won two out of five group matches. However, they suffered an 86-run defeat against Australia in the semi-final. Australia struggled to chase the 255-run target set by India, concluding their innings at 168-7 within the allotted overs.
Playing XIs
India Champions: Robin Uthappa(w), Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh(c), Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Pawan Negi, Vinay Kumar, Harbhajan Singh, Rahul Shukla, Anureet Singh
Pakistan Champions: Kamran Akmal(w), Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan(c), Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Khan
