The Pakistan Legends triumphed over England by 79 runs in their fourth game of the World Championship of Legends 2024 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham on Sunday.
Led by Younis Khan, the Green Shirts remain undefeated with their fourth win in the competition, having previously bested Australia, West Indies, and arch-rival India.
England’s captain, Kevin Pietersen, was dismissed for just 4 runs. Phil Mustard then took charge, keeping England in the game temporarily. Ian Bell (11) was run out by Yasir Arafat, and Mustard (34) was dismissed while trying to accelerate the innings. Kevin O’Brien (24) was clean-bowled by Shoaib Malik. Ultimately, Team England was bowled out for 117 as Pakistan continued to take wickets at regular intervals.
Legendary spinner Saeed Ajmal took three wickets, while Abdul Razzaq claimed two. Shoaib Malik, Sohail Khan, and Aamer Yamin each took one scalp.
In the first innings, Pakistan set a formidable total of 196/4 after being asked to bat first by England. Despite losing openers Kamran Akmal (11) and Sharjeel Khan (13) early, a crucial 121-run partnership between Sohaib Maqsood and Shoaib Malik laid the foundation for the substantial score. Maqsood scored 64 off 44 balls, while Malik added 51 off 33 balls. Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, leading in place of Younis Khan, contributed an unbeaten 23 off 14 balls, and Abdul Razzaq chipped in with an unbeaten 20 off 9 balls.
With this victory, Pakistan tops the points table with 8 points, followed by Australia and India with four points each. England holds the fourth position with two points. The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, and Pakistan’s undefeated streak places them in a strong position heading into the next stage of the tournament.
