Blazing hit by Thisara Perera keeps World XI on the go in series
Spectators remained on the edge of their seats till the last ball, with Thisara Perera's blazing hit finally grabbing victory from Pakistan. Photo: OINN
(Web Desk)- World XI bordered Pakistan in a nerve-racking match that went down to the last two balls. What a splendid end it was to the breath-taking match at Gaddafi!
Spectators remained on the edge of their seats till the last ball, with Thisara Perera’s blazing hit finally grabbing victory from Pakistan.
Players of World XI squad arriving in around for the second match of Independence Cup. Photo: OINN
Batting at first, Pakistan had given a target of 174 runs to World XI. Ahmad Shehzad with 43, Babar Azam with 45 and Shoaib Malik with 39 runs powered Pakistan to a decent total.
Later, in the second innings Thisara Perera and Hashim Amla led World XI in chasing the target with a ball remaining unused. Amla played an outstanding innings with a notable contribution of 72 runs for his team. He scored the seventh international half-century of his T20 Career.
A man wears a multicoloured wig to cheer for Pakistan during the second match of Independence Cup between Pakistan and World XI series at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: OINN
Incredible performance of being an all-rounder was shown by Thisara Perera, as he knocked down two wickets and scored a match winning 47 for his team.
Thisara Perera bashed five sixes in an unbeaten 19-ball 47 for achieving the seven-wicket win for World XI. He was awarded with the man of the match title.
International Cricket Council Chief Executive David Richardson giving a trophy to World XI player Thisara Perera for winning the second match of Independence Cup at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Photo: OINN
Perera said: “It is an honor to be selected for the World XI side, it was my dream. Hash told me to stay until the end so that we could cash in.”
“Normally I play similarly in situations for my country as well and this has become a habit now (finishing off games). Thanks to the Pakistani fans, they really cheered well for us.”
World XI player Hashim Amla greets Pakistani player Imad Wasim after winning the second Twenty20 international at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Photo: OINN
This win has kept the World XI alive in the series of 3 matches, which has leveled by 1-1. Both the teams are looking forward to the final with the decider match to be played in Lahore on Friday.
Director International Cricket Board Giles Clarke and Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi in a group photo with the players of Pakistan Cricket Team and World XI squad.Photo: OINN
A boy holds a placard carrying a slogan in favour of International cricket in Pakistan during the second match of the Independence Cup between Pakistan and World XI squad. Photo: OINN
World XI players greet each other after winning the second match of the Independence Cup at Gaddafi Stadium. World XI beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 international to level the match series 1-1. Photo: OINN
