Pakistan v RoW
International cricket returns to Pakistan with a T20 series
SHOAIB Malik is toasting life on a lofty perch of his own making after becoming Pakistan’s all-time leading run-scorer in T20 internationals.
The 35-year-old all-rounder surpassed teammate Umar Akmal by scoring 39 off 23 deliveries, a knock that included three sixes and a single four, as Pakistan took on Faf du Plessis’ ICC World XI in the second of three T20 contests on Wednesday.
Malik, who made his T20 international debut against England at Bristol in 2006 and captained Pakistan to the final of T20 World Cup in 2007, took his overall tally to 1,702 runs in his 82nd innings and he is ranked seventh in the list of all-time topscorers in the shortest format of the game.
However, Malik’s moment in the sunshine at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium wasn’t enough to prevent the tourists from levelling the series at 1-1 and giving themselves every chance of claiming the Independence Cup following today’s third and final showdown, which is due to start at 3pm UK time.
With the visitors needing 33 off the final two overs to overhaul Pakistan’s 174-6, Thisara Perera thwacked a scorching 19-ball 47 not out, the Sri Lanka all-rounder hitting five sixes, including one off the penultimate ball to seal a seven-wicket triumph for the World XI.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Hashim Amla also recorded an unbeaten 72 – his seventh T20 international half-century – with Babar Azam (45) top-scoring for the hosts.
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed said: “We have to give credit to the World XI. Hashim played beautifully.
“This is a learning opportunity for all of us. It will teach the bowlers how to bowl in tough situations to class players like Hash.
“We were a bit sloppy in the field and that cost us. Had the execution been better, we could have won this match.
“You should also have a slower length ball in your kitty apart from the yorkers.”
Meanwhile, man-of-the-match Perera was delighted with his match-winning turn.
He said: “First of all, it is an honour to be selected for the World XI side – it was my dream.
“Hash told me to stay till the end so that we could cash in. Normally, I play similarly in situations for my country as well and this has become a habit now.
“And thanks, too, to the Pakistani fans – they really cheered well for us.”
World XI skipper Du Plessis thought that the tourists were much improved from their 20-run reverse at the hands of Pakistan in the series opener on Tuesday.
“We needed it to keep the cup alive,” said the South Africa skipper.
“I thought we bowled much better and kept them to a lower score. You always need someone to ensure that we do not collapse.
“That’s what Amla did. He was steady and took us through. I am glad that we came back strong.
“I expect the third match to be in similar conditions and hope to continue the form.”
The series kicked off with Babar blasting Pakistan to victory against their star-studded opponents.
The 22-year-old’s composed 86 off 52 deliveries set the hosts on their way to posting 197-7 and despite Amla (26) and Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal (18) getting the tourists’ run-chase off to a steady start, Sohail Khan, Rumman Raees and Shadab Khan took two apiece to dismiss them for 177.
Middle-order ace Babar said: “There was no pressure. It was just a slow wicket, so I thought,‘I’ll take my time and play my natural game’.
“Once I got a partnership with Ahmed Shehzad, I just wanted to take it as far as I could.”