Pakistan vs World XI, 1st T20I: Twitter Reacts As Hosts Start Series With Impressive Win 1

Pakistan defeated World XI by runs in the first T20I by 20 runs to go one up in the historic three-match series.

Chasing an imposing 198, World XI made a cautious start with Tamim Iqbal and Hashim Amla adding 43 runs off 31 balls before the former was clean bowled by Rumman Raees. Five runs later, Amla returned to the pavilion too before skipper Faf du Plessis, and Tim Paine revived the chase with a 53-run stand.

However, the visitors’ chase once again went off the track after both the set batsmen were dismissed in quick succession. World XI suffered another huge setback when David Millers was also dismissed cheaply as they found themselves reeling at 123 for 5 in the 15th over. The onus was now on the likes of Thisara Perera and Darren Sammy, but the visitors never looked in contention to chase down the big total and were eventually restricted to 177 for 7.

Batting first, the hosts rode on Babar Azam’s outstanding knock and Shoaib Malik’s whirlwind knock in the end to post a daunting 197 for 5 in the allotted 20 overs. The Men in Green were off to a poor start after their Champions Trophy Fakhar Zaman was sent back in the very first over by Morne Morkel. However, a 122-run stand between Ahmed Shehzad and Babar Azam not only steadied the ship but also set the platform for a big score.

Some quick wickets threatened to derail Pakistan’s innings, but Shoaib Malik’s 20-ball 38 helped them finish on a strong note as they collected 48 runs off the last three overs to post a huge total.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the match:

Some quick wickets threatened to derail Pakistan’s innings, but Shoaib Malik’s 20-ball 38 helped them finish on a strong note as they collected 48 runs off the last three overs to post a huge total.

 

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