A brilliant 72 not out from South African batsman Hashim Amla helped the World XI even the three-match Independence Cup against Pakistan in Lahore. Choosing to bat, Pakistan scored 174-6, but were overhauled by the World XI’s 175-3.
Pakistan were bolstered by a 59-run partnership between Ahmed Shehzad, 43, and Babar Azam, 45, the two building on a 41-run opening stand that featured Fakhar Zaman’s 13-ball 21.
The Pakistanis, at one stage looked as if they were going to build another big total, similar to the 191 they scored in the first game, however, they were pegged back, despite Shoaib Malik’s 39 from 23 deliveries.
Windies spinner Samuel Badree was one of the chief orchestrators of putting the squeeze on the Pakistanis, ending his four overs for 31 runs, while taking the important wickets of Fakhar and Babar.
Thisara Perera also chipped in with 2-23 from three overs, getting rid of Imad Wasim for 15 from 11, and Sarfraz Ahmed for a duck.
In reply, Tamim Iqbal got to 23 from 19 deliveries before Sohail Khan had him caught by Malik. There was a wobble in the run chase as Australia’s Tim Paine went for 10 and skipper, Faf du Plessis, scored 20 from 14 deliveries.
Perera returned from his good outing with the ball to slam five sixes and put the run-chase back on track, scoring an unbeaten 47 from just 19 deliveries. (Sportsmax)
