In a nail-biting encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, Pakistan Masters secured their spot in the Legends League final after defeating the formidable West Indies by 20 runs.
The high-octane match was a showcase of explosive batting and clinical bowling, leaving spectators craving for more.
Winning the toss and opting to field first, the West Indies bowlers started brightly, reducing Pakistan to a precarious 3 wickets down early on. However, a solid partnership between Kamran Akmal and the experienced Younis Khan steadied the ship. Akmal, known for his aggressive style, played some breathtaking shots before departing.
Captain Younis Khan took charge and anchored the innings with a masterful 65 runs off just 46 balls. The lower order, particularly Aamir Yameen (40* off 18) and Sohail Tanveer (33* off 17), unleashed a flurry of boundaries in the death overs, propelling Pakistan to a challenging total of 198 runs.
Chasing 199, the West Indies got off to a flying start with their openers laying the foundation. Ashley Nurse top-scored with 36 runs, while contributions from Riyad Emrit (29), Dwayne Smith (26), Chris Gayle (22), and Walton (19) kept the scoreboard ticking.
However, Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by a brilliant spell from Sohail Khan (3 wickets), choked the West Indies run flow. Wahab Riaz and Shoaib Malik chipped in with two wickets each to restrict the Caribbean side to 178 runs, sealing a 20-run victory for Pakistan.
Younis Khan’s captaincy and batting prowess were instrumental in Pakistan’s triumph. The electric atmosphere at the stadium was a testament to the enduring popularity of these cricketing legends. As Pakistan marches into the final, they will be brimming with confidence and eager to lift the coveted Legends League trophy.
