UAE Friendship Cup 2022, Match 6 Review: Pakistan Legends outclass India Legends in high-scoring game

Match six of the UAE Friendship Cup 2022 saw the Pakistan Legends get the better of India Legends by eight wickets at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on March 7. It was indeed a clinical performance by the Pakistan side who held their nerves brilliantly as they chased down a challenging total despite losing an early wicket courtesy of a vital second-wicket partnership between Salman Butt and Yasir Hameed.

Both teams have been impressive so far in the inaugural edition of the tournament despite having lost one encounter each. After a huge 73-run loss against the World Legends 11, India Legends have staged a remarkable comeback with a two-run victory over the Bollywood Kings in an edge-of-the-seat thriller. The Pakistan Legends on the other hand handed a 43-run loss to the Bollywood Kings but, fell short in their second encounter against the World Legends 11 by 15 runs.

Salman Butt successfully anchors Pakistan Legends run chase

Chasing 108, Pakistan Legends suffered an early setback as they lost the in-form opener, Imran Nazir, for a silver duck. The senior duo of Salman Butt and Yasir Hameed then carried out the rescue act from thereon as the India Legends bowlers toiled hard for wickets. The two batters went on to add 93 runs for the second-wicket stand before Hameed was castled by Jai Prakash Yadav for 29 runs off 18 deliveries.

However, it was just a formality as Pakistan Legends won in the final over. Salman Butt remained unbeaten on 65 runs off 30 balls. Earlier after India Legends won the toss and elected to bat first, Mohammad Asaduddin had played a superb knock as he fearlessly went after Pakistan Legends’ fiery bowling attack and took them to the cleaners as soon as he was set and got into the rhythm instantly. He scored a quickfire 45 runs off 22 deliveries before being castled by Abdur Rauf.

Asaduddin’s knock included four boundaries and three maximums at an astonishing strike rate of 204. He was also involved in a 65-run stand along with opener Sanjeev Sharma who scored 37 runs off 23 balls including five fours and a six at a strike rate of 160 that helped India Legends post 107/3 from their allotted 10 overs.