Pakistan crush England in Championship of Legends

LAHORE: Pakistan continued their dominant run in the World Championship of Legends 2024, crushing England by a massive 79 runs at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. This victory marks their fourth consecutive win in the tournament, having previously defeated Australia, West Indies, and India.

Electing to bat first, Pakistan faced early setbacks with the dismissals of openers Kamran Akmal (11) and Sharjeel Khan (13). However, a crucial 121-run partnership between Sohaib Maqsood (44 off 44 balls) and Shoaib Malik (51 off 33 balls) stabilised the innings. Captain Misbah-ul-Haq (14) and Abdul Razzaq (9) also chipped in with valuable runs, guiding Pakistan to a respectable total of 196/4. England’s Chris Meaker emerged as their best bowler, taking 2 wickets for 25 runs.

Pakistan’s bowlers then put on a clinical display, dismantling the English batting line-up. England captain Kevin Pietersen fell early, followed by Ian Bell’s (11) run-out. Phil Mustard (34) provided some resistance, but his dismissal along with Kevin O’Brien’s (24) clean bowled by Shoaib Malik put England further behind. The Pakistani bowling attack, spearheaded by Saeed Ajmal (3 wickets) and Abdul Razzaq (2 wickets), ensured England never recovered, eventually bowling them out for a mere 117 runs. Pakistan sit comfortably at the top of the points table with 8 points. The top four teams will progress to the semi-finals.