Pakistan triumphed over England by 79 runs in the tenth match of the World Championship of Legends 2024, held at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham.
This victory marks Pakistan's fourth consecutive win in the competition, having previously defeated Australia, West Indies, and India.
Pakistan achieved an early breakthrough by dismissing England captain Kevin Pietersen (4). Phil Mustard, who tried to stabilise England's innings, was eventually dismissed for 34. Ian Bell (11) was run out by Yasir Arafat, and Kevin O'Brien (24) was clean bowled by Shoaib Malik.
England struggled to build partnerships as Pakistan's bowlers struck at regular intervals, eventually bowling England out for 117.
Saeed Ajmal claimed three wickets, while Abdul Razzaq took two. Shoaib Malik, Sohail Khan, and Aamer Yamin each contributed with one wicket. Earlier, Pakistan set a total of 196/4 after being invited to bat first by England. Openers Kamran Akmal (11) and Sharjeel Khan (13) fell early, but a 121-run stand between Sohaib Maqsood and Shoaib Malik provided a solid foundation.
Maqsood scored 64 off 44 balls, and Malik added 51 off 33 balls. Captain Misbah-ul-Haq, filling in for Younis Khan, contributed an unbeaten 23 off 14 balls, while Abdul Razzaq finished with an unbeaten 20 off 9 balls.
For England, Meaker was the standout bowler, recording figures of 2/25. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, with Pakistan currently leading the points table with 8 points.
Australia and India follow in second and third place, each with four points, while England sit in fourth with two points. The World Championship of Legends 2024 matches are being broadcast live on Geo Super.
Playing XIs
England Champions: Kevin Pietersen (c), Phil Mustard (wk), Ian Bell, Owais Shah, Kevin O Brien, Ali Brown, Usman Afzaal, Darren Maddy, Stuart Meaker, Chris Schofield, Ryan Jay Sidebottom
Pakistan Champions: Kamran Akmal (wk), Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Aamer Yamin, Abdul Razzaq, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Arafat
Visitors will play two matches, part of ICC Test Championship, against national side in Multan
Visitors expected to land in Islamabad on January 6, and after practice match, will depart for Multan
Lahore Qalandars to make first pick in platinum category during player draft event to be held on Jan 11, 2025
Cricketing body notifies ICC of decision made after chairman met with UAE's president
Opening batter becomes first in ODI cricket history to get out on ducks in all games of a series
Sufiyan Muqeem, Saim Ayub starred with ball, while Shaneen and Naseem claimed two wickets each
