Pakistan’s Over-60s side began their IMC Over-60s Cricket World Cup 2026 campaign with a narrow three-wicket defeat to Wales in a closely fought opener played on Sunday at Courtneypark Ground in Mississauga. Wales, after winning the toss, elected to field first and eventually chased down Pakistan’s total of 198-5 on the penultimate delivery of the contest.
Put in to bat first, Pakistan Over-60s Team made a watchful start, with a half-century opening stand between Syed Mazhar Hussain and Sajid Ali, which came up in the 11th over, steadying the innings. Babar Altaf Butt was the top-scorer for Pakistan with 52 runs off 73 balls, while Saghir Abbas and Tahir Rashid also chipped in with 38 and 30 runs respectively as Pakistan closed on 198-5 from their 45 overs. Michael Cann proved the most effective bowler for Wales, finishing with figures of 4-24 from his nine overs, accounting for Mazhar Hussain, Sajid Ali, Raja Arshad Hayat and Muhammad Ashraf Pakhali.
In reply, Wales were similarly circumspect early on, managing just 10 runs in their first six overs as Pakistan’s bowlers kept things tight. The chase was rescued by a substantial partnership between Steve Maddock and Michael Cann, who added 119 runs together for the second wicket. Maddock anchored the innings with 90 off 136 balls, while Cann provided the impetus with his knock of 56 off 68 balls. A flurry of late wickets kept Pakistan in the hunt, but Wales held their nerve to reach the target on the second-last ball of the innings, winning the contest by three wickets. Syed Zafar Ali picked up two wickets for Pakistan, while Saghir Abbas, Muhammad Jaffar Qureshi and Babar Altaf Butt claimed one apiece. Michael Cann was named Player of the Match for his superb all-round performance.
In other Pool A matches played on the day, South Africa defeated the host Canada by four wickets and Sri Lanka overcame IMC Emerging XI by six wickets. In Pool B, West Indies won their clash against India by four wickets.
