Pakistan Champions captain Younis Khan opened up after losing the World Championship of Legends 2024 final to India and said that the lack of partnerships in batting was the key difference between both the sides.
The Men in Green registered a 157-run target which was chased by Yuvraj Singh and Co. in the last over to win first edition of the tournament.
"Congratulations to India, they played like legends," Younis said. "They were spot on in all three departments.
"We planned to put up a total on the board but having partnerships is mandatory in the final. India made some partnerships which helped them to chase down the total. We couldn't replicate our batting performance of the semi-finals where we stitched some partnerships," he added.
Younis concluded by appreciating the level of the league. "Some amazing cricket was played throughout the competition, before coming I thought of playing at No.11 and hiding on the field," he added.
Remember, India had a blistering start to the run chase with openers Robin Uthappa and Ambati Rayudu smashing from the first over.
Pakistan bagged back-to-back wickets by dismissing Uthappa (10) and Suresh Raina (4) to bring themselves back in the game.
But a 60-run stand between Rayudu and Gurkeerat Singh helped India to recover. Rayudu hit 30-ball 50 with the help of five fours and two sixes. Gurkeerat made 34 off 33.
Yusuf Pathan was the key for India in taking close to the total with a quickfire 16-ball 30.
Meanwhile, skipper Yuvraj held one end to score not out 15 off 22 balls. Irfan Pathan hit the winning shot off Sohail Tanvir.
Aamer Yamin was Pakistan's best bowler with figures of 2/29.
Earlier, the Men in Green finished on 156/6 after winning the toss and opting to bat first.
India drew first blood by removing Sharjeel Khan (12) in the second over. Pakistan looked to score at a better rate, with Sohaib Maqsood (21) taking charge; however, Vinay Kumar bowled him to put pressure on the Men in Green.
Kamran Akmal (9-24) also couldn't capitalise on the start he got, whereas Younis Khan (7) couldn't replicate his semi-final heroics.
Malik remained composed at one end, but the slowness of the surface didn't allow him to accelerate. He made 41 off 36 balls.
Misbah-ul-Haq made 18 off 15 balls before being retired out.
Sohail Tanvir (19*) played a brisk cameo to take the total above 150.
Anureet Singh was the best bowler for India, picking three wickets.
- Younis Khan
