Lahore, Sept 12 (TNS): Pakistan have won the first T20 against the World XI by 20 runs and lead the three-match T20 series by 1-0.
Chasing such a big total of 198 runs, Tamim Iqbal and Hashim Amla gave World XI a flying start. But all on a sudden both the openers made missed-judge and got out in the same over. In a gap of just five deliveries, Rumman Raees sent back both Tamim (18) and Amla (26) respectively to the pavilion.
Losing openers in a quick time, World XI went to back foot. Tim Pain and skipper Faf du Plessis tried hard to repair the innings and added 53 runs in the third wicket stand. They were looking dangerous but Pakistani bowlers once again saw success as du Plessis and Paine were removed with a gap of just 6 deliveries. Du Plessis scored 29 off 18 alongside Tim Paine 25 ball 25.
After their dismissal, T Perera, Darren Sammy fought hard but it was not enough for the night. Sammy’s cameo of 29 runs off 16 balls just reduced the margin of defeat for World XI.
Among the home side bowlers Sohail Khan, Shadab Khan and Rumman Raees each of the bowlers grabbed two wickets respectively.
Earier, Babar Azam’s 52-ball 86 runs helped the hosts to set a decent total of 197 runs for losing 5 wickets at the end of allotted 20 overs. Apart from Babar’s knock, Ahmed Shehzadscored 39 runs earlier in the innings while Shoaib MaliK’s contributed with his little cameo of 20 balls 38 runs, including 4 fours and 2 sixes. Imad Washim also played tornado knocks at the ast moment of the innings and scored 15 runs from just 4 balls.
Perera grabbed highest 2 wickets for his side. Alongside him, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahirand Ben Cutting each picked up 1 wicket.
