Pakistan Champions maintained their unbeaten run in the World Championship of Legends, securing a commanding 68-run victory over India Champions in Birmingham on Saturday, July 6. Posting a formidable 243 runs, Pakistan dominated the match at Edgbaston.
The spotlight shone brightly on Kamran Akmal and Sharjeel Khan, whose explosive innings of 77 off 40 balls and 72 off 30 balls, respectively, set the tone for the game. Their 145-run opening stand left the Indian bowlers struggling to find their footing.
Despite efforts from RP Singh, Dhawal Kulkarni, and Harbhajan Singh, the Indian bowling attack faced a relentless assault from the Pakistani openers.
Kamran Akmal rolled back the years with a dazzling performance, hitting four sixes and nine boundaries. Sharjeel Khan matched his intensity, delivering five sixes and seven boundaries.
Anureet Singh managed to dismiss Sharjeel in the 11th over, but the momentum remained with Pakistan as Sohaib Maqsood continued the onslaught with a brisk 51 off 26 balls.
Pawan Negi eventually sent Kamran Akmal back to the pavilion in the 14th over, but the damage was already done. Shoaib Malik added a quickfire 25 off 18 balls, helping Pakistan post a challenging total of 243 for 4 in 20 overs.
RP Singh emerged as the most economical bowler for India, finishing with 1 for 38 in his four overs. Irfan Pathan faced a tough day, conceding 25 runs in his sole over. In response, Robin Uthappa provided India with a strong start, hitting two sixes in his 12-ball 22. Ambati Rayudu followed suit, scoring 39 off 23 balls.
Suresh Raina and Rayudu built a 61-run partnership for the second wicket, but Rayudu’s dismissal in the 8th over shifted the balance in favor of Pakistan. Despite Raina’s resilient 52 off 40 balls, the middle-order struggled to support his efforts, with Yusuf Pathan, Yuvraj Singh, and Irfan Pathan failing to make significant contributions.
Wahab Riaz and Shoaib Malik led the bowling attack for Pakistan, each claiming three wickets. India Champions, who started their campaign with victories over England and West Indies, will aim to bounce back against Australia on Monday and South Africa on Wednesday.
The top four teams in the six-team World Championship of Legends will advance to the semi-finals later in the week.
