Lahore: A wonderful half century by South African opener Hashim Amla (72 n o, 55b, 5×4, 2×6) and a demolishing knock by Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera (47 n o, 19b, 5×6) led World XI level the three-match series 1-1 against Pakistan with a thrilling seven-wicket win the second T20I at the Gadaffi Stadium here, Wednesday.
Amla and Perera added 69 runs off just 29 balls as WXI overhauled the target of 175 runs with a ball to spare. Needing six runs off the final two balls, Perera hit Rumman Raees out of the park off a juicy full toss.
Earlier, opting to bat after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 174 for six, thanks to some wonderful batting by Babar Azam (45, 38b, 5×4), who was the hero for the hosts in the first game, Ahmed Shehzad (43, 34b, 5×4, 1×6) and Shoaib Malik (39, 23b 1×4, 3×6). Perera (2/23) and Samuel Badree (2/31) bowled well for the visitors.
Brief scores:
Pakistan 174/6 (Babar Azam 45; Thisara Perera 2/23) lost to World XI 175/3 in 19.5 overs (Hashim Amla 72 n o, Thisara Perera 47 n o)
indo-asian news service
