• Pakistan lost to South Africa.
• Pakistan set target of 211.
• Pakistan already qualified for semis.

In the World Championship of Legends 2024, Pakistan faced their initial setback against South Africa at Northampton’s County Ground on Monday.

The team, led by Younis Khan, was unable to protect a target of 211 runs, with South Africa reaching the goal in the 19th over with just one wicket down.

Pakistan had earlier posted a score of 210/4 upon South Africa’s request to bat first.

Kamran Akmal was dismissed early on for 13 runs by Vernon Philander, but Sharjeel Khan stepped up, bolstered by the other batsmen.

Sharjeel forged an 85-run stand with Sohaib Maqsood, who contributed 24 runs. Sharjeel’s explosive 72 off 36 balls featured seven boundaries and six maximums.

Shahid Afridi, promoted up the order, quickly scored a 10-ball 20.

Shoaib Malik and Abdul Razzaq proved formidable, hammering a rapid 75 runs off 31 balls, propelling Pakistan past the 200-run mark.

Malik notched a swift 51 off 26 balls, while Razzaq added a brisk 25 off 15 balls.

During their chase, South Africa’s lineup lost key player JP Duminy early in the third over. However, Jacques Snyman and Sarel Erwee formed a formidable second-wicket partnership.

The pair proved too challenging for Pakistan, smoothly steering the chase. Erwee struck a sensational 57-ball 105, while Snyman contributed a solid 47-ball 82.

It’s noteworthy that Pakistan had already secured a semi-final berth after triumphing in their first four matches, with Australia also advancing.

The competition for the remaining semi-final spots is still open, with India, West Indies, and South Africa in contention, while England has been ruled out of the race for the final four.

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