Independence Cup: Pakistan win series, World XI win hearts

LAHORE: A marvelous knock by opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad propelled Pakistan to victory in the three-match Independence Cup T20 series at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday. 

Shehzad contributed his vital 89 runs off 55 balls, helping Pakistan post a target of 184 runs. His innings included three sixes and eight 4s. The pinnacle of his innings was when he made a hattrick of sixes during the match.

"I was just trying to play to the situation. Maybe I failed to score big runs in the first two games but we had a good partnerships that took us to the total we wanted."

"Today I decided to bat till the end. I thought if others could do it, why wasn't I able to build on my 30s and 40s. It came out well. I've been working really hard. The coaching staff has been with me through thick and thin," said the batsman. 

"They showed their faith and trust in me when I didn't score runs. I would like to congratulate PCB and all the security forces who have been working day and night. We've been talking to the international players and a few of them even said they'd like to come back again. Yes, they came here, we all enjoyed but cricket wins."

Bowling second, Pakistan got an early breakthrough as a low-pitched ball by Usman Khan Shinwari took off Tamim Iqbal's stumps. The Bangladeshi batsman managed to only score 14 off 10. 

Later, two back-to-back wickets of Ben Cutting and Hashim Amla in an over by fast bowler Hasan Ali provided the much-needed edge to the Sarfraz-led team. 

Next man in, Australian player George Bailey, returned to the pavilion after an inside-edge of off-spinner Imad Wasim. Bailey managed to score only three off 12 balls. 

Brilliant fielding by Shadab Khan at mid-off cost skipper Faf du Plessis his wicket as a marvelous direct hit from the young player ended his innings on only 13 runs.

The game changed its dynamics with the arrival of Sri Lankan all-rounder Thesara Perera on the crease. Three back-to-back sixes off Shadab Khan by him forced skipper Sarfraz Ahmed to change his field. 

Perera scored 32 with the help of three sixes and two fours.But one loose shot on a bowl of Rumman Raees gave breathing space to the Pakistani camp as he was caught by Babar Azam. 

After scoring 32 off 29, David Miller departed in the 18th over of the game. Hasan Ali took his wicket. 

Following Millers' dismissal, a direct hit from Babar Azam ended Morne Morkel's stay at the crease. Darren Sammy was unbeaten, he scored 24 off 23, with one six and two fours. 

First Inning 

World XI managed to find a breakthrough in the eighth over of the game as luck fell short for Fakhar Zaman as he got run out at the non-striker's end after Darren Sammy got a hand to the ball going dead straight to wicket while he was out of the crease.

Fakhar departed after scoring 27 off 25, after providing a strong start to home side with Shehzad. 

Babar Azam was the next batsman to come,  with his 48 runs inning off 31 balls which included five fours, the Lahore-born maintained the team's momentum. 

However, Azam also enjoyed a second chance as his catch was dropped by Imran Tahir on the bowl of Thesara Perrera.  

The seven-ball cameo of Shoaib Malik provided Pakistan 17 valuable runs in death overs.  Imad Wasim was dismissed on a duck.

Former skippers, Misbah ul Haq and Shahid Afridi, watched the match together and received a lap of honour by the spectators for their services to Pakistan cricket.