Over 60s World Cup
Pakistan wins the World Cup
Pakistan Veterans team has made the country proud by triumphing in the inaugural Over 60s cricket World Cup being played in Brisbane, Australia.
Ten days, seven matches, astounding zeal & unprecedented efforts. Ultimately, leading to very well-deserved glory. Pakistan Over 60s team comprehensively defeated New Zealand in the final to become the crowned champions at the Veterans level.
New Zealand after winning the toss opted to bat first. Muhammad Yaqoob & Syed Saghir Abbas delivered a top-notch opening spell, reducing the kiwi side to 38-4. Russell Drake then offered some resistance with his innings of 51. He along with Michael Johnston (45) brought some sort of respectability to New Zealand’s total, as their side finished on 173-9 in the allotted 45 overs. Syed Saghir and Basharat Ali Babar managed 2 wickets each.
Pakistan in their reply remained firm throughout the innings, facing a quality Kiwi bowling attack. Syed Ghaffar Kazmi who has topped the batting charts in the tournament, assembling 277 runs throughout the campaign at an impressive average of 55.40 again chipped in with a superb knock of 71 runs. Muhammad Aslam also played a compact inning of 70. The duo added 111 runs for the third wicket, clearing up all the hurdles placed in their pathway. Hence, Pakistan won the final by seven wickets. Syed Ghaffar Kazmi was declared ‘Player of the final’ for his outstanding innings.
Mr. Fawad Ijaz Khan who is the captain as well as Chairman of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association while sharing his thoughts on the prestigious occasion said: “I am very grateful to Allah Almighty”. He expressed pleasant surprise at the fitness levels of Pakistan Over 60s team which remained steadfast in a toughly scheduled tournament. Moreover, he appreciated the efforts of the organizers and cordially invited the teams which will be taking part in Over 40s World Cup scheduled to be played in Pakistan next year.
World Cup trophy will be presented to the victorious Pakistan team tomorrow in a glitzy ceremony.