The eagerly anticipated Independence Cup featuring Pakistan and World XI is going on in full flow, and after the completion of a couple of matches, the series is locked at one all, and the winners will be decided after the final T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday.
Pakistan defeated the World XI side by 20 runs in the opening ODI while the World XI team came back strongly and defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the 2nd T20I to keep the series alive.
Despite World XI winning the 2nd T20I, there was a record breaking moment for the former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik who became the leading run-scorer for Pakistan in T20’s. In his 82nd T20I innings, Malik became Pakistan’s leading run-scorer going past Umar Akmal. He has taken his runs tally to 1702.
Meanwhile, it was Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad who congratulated his teammate on an incredible achievement. Taking to his twitter handle Shehzad wrote,
“Lahore is great so as you. What an achievement in this historical series. Congratulations to brother Shoaib Malik.”
Lhr toh great hai hi but tussi bhi bht great ho.. what an achievement in this historical series.. congratz bro @realshoaibmalik #PakvsWXI https://t.co/mo4yMRflx2
— Ahmad Shahzad ?? (@iamAhmadshahzad) September 13, 2017
It was a nice gesture by Shehzad who isn’t a permanent fixture in the Pakistan team due to his inconsistency, but little did he knew that Malik would take a light hearted dig at him. In reply, Malik wrote,
“Thank you bro kabhi mujhe bhi mauqa de apko great bolne ka (Thank you, bro); (Please give me the opportunity to call you the same.)
Thank you bro kabhi mujhe bhi mauqa de apko great bolne ka ?
— Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) September 14, 2017
Now coming to the historic series, it was Babar Azam’s brilliant knock of 86 in the first match which helped Pakistan start the series on a winning note. Coming to the 2nd match, Pakistan batted well to make 174 in their allotted 20 overs. Shehzad was the top scorer with 43, while Malik also smashed a quick fire 38.
Chasing the total, World XI opener Hashim Amla played some delightful shots to get going, but it was the 19 balls 47 from the blade of Thisara Perera which changed the complexion of the game and helped the visitors pull off a stunning victory with delivery to go. Perera smashed five sixess during his whirlwind knock.