Pakistan faced their first defeat against South Africa in the World Championship of Legends 2024 at County Ground, Northampton on Monday.
Younis Khan’s team couldn’t defend their target of 211 runs as South Africa chased it down in the 19th over, losing only one wicket.
Initially, Pakistan scored 210/4 after being asked to bat first by South Africa. Kamran Akmal was dismissed early by Vernon Philander, but Sharjeel Khan played a key role, scoring 72 runs off 36 balls with seven fours and six sixes. He partnered with Sohaib Maqsood (24) for an 85-run stand. Shahid Afridi also contributed with a quick 20 off 10 balls. Shoaib Malik (51 off 26 balls) and Abdul Razzaq (25 off 15 balls) accelerated Pakistan’s score beyond 200.
In the chase, South Africa lost JP Duminy early but Jacques Snyman (82 off 47 balls) and Sarel Erwee (105 off 57 balls) led their team to victory with a strong partnership.
Despite this loss, Pakistan had already secured a spot in the semi-finals by winning their first four matches. Australia also qualified, while India, West Indies, and South Africa are still competing for the remaining spots. England, however, has been eliminated from the tournament.