Pakistan beat Windies to reach WCL final

In a thrilling first semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024, the Pakistan Champions defeated the West Indies Champions by 20 runs at the County Ground in Northampton on Friday.

Pakistan, after setting a target of 199 runs, showcased an exceptional bowling performance to restrict the West Indies to 178 runs, securing their place in the tournament’s final where they will face either India or Australia.

Sohail Khan emerged as Pakistan’s standout performer with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets. The West Indies had a sluggish start, managing only seven runs in the first four overs. Chris Gayle then sparked a brief resurgence, hitting boundaries in the fifth over, but his innings was cut short at 26 runs by Sohail.

Despite intermittent wickets, Ashley Nurse provided hope for the West Indies with a rapid 36 off 24 balls, but his run-out by Kamran Akmal turned the tide. Rayad Emrit added a quick 29 runs off 9 balls down the order, but fell to Shoaib Malik’s bowling. Alongside Sohail’s four-wicket haul, Wahab Riaz and Shoaib Malik each claimed two wickets.

Pakistan, having been put to bat first, faced early setbacks, losing Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, and Shoaib Malik cheaply. The West Indies seemed in control as the ball swung under overcast skies.

However, a resilient 77-run partnership between skipper Younis Khan and Kamran Akmal steadied Pakistan’s innings. Akmal, after scoring a brisk 46 off 31 balls with eight fours, was dismissed, followed by Shahid Afridi (1) and Misbah-ul-Haq (0) in quick succession.

Fidel Edwards ended Younis Khan’s solid 65-run knock, but lower-order contributions from Aamer Yamin and Sohail Tanvir, who added 37 and 33 runs respectively, bolstered Pakistan’s total. Edwards finished with three wickets, while Sulieman Benn took two, and Jerome Taylor and Dwayne Smith claimed one each for the West Indies.