Pakistan Champions suffered their first defeat in the World Championship of Legends 2024 to South Africa at the County Ground, Northampton on Tuesday.
Younis Khan and his team couldn’t defend a 211-run target as the Proteas chased it down in the 19th over, losing only one wicket.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 210/4 after being asked to bat by South Africa. Kamran Akmal (13) fell early to Vernon Philander, but momentum was provided by Sharjeel Khan, with support from other batters.
Sharjeel partnered with Sohaib Maqsood (24) for an 85-run partnership. He scored 72 off 36 balls, including seven fours and six sixes. Shahid Afridi was sent up the order and contributed a quick 20 off 10 balls.
Shoaib Malik and Abdul Razzaq were hard to stop, smashing 75 runs off 31 balls, pushing Pakistan’s score above 200. Malik made 51 off 26 balls, while Razzaq scored 25 off 15 balls.
In their run chase, South Africa lost impact player JP Duminy in the third over. However, Jacques Snyman and Sarel Erwee paired for the second wicket and had different ideas. The duo was too hot to handle for Pakistan, cruising in the run chase. Erwee hit a century, scoring 105 off 57 balls, while Snyman made 82 off 47 balls.
Despite this loss, Pakistan has already qualified for the semi-finals after winning their first four games. Australia is the other team to qualify. India, West Indies, and South Africa are still in the hunt, while England has been eliminated from the final four race.
Earlier, Pakistan Legends defeated England by 79 runs in their fourth game in World Championship of Legends 2024 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham on Sunday. Younis Khan led Green Shirts previously beat Australia, West Indies and arch-rival India.
Unbeaten Pakistan thrash England by 79 runs in Legends Championship
