KARACHI: Hosts Pakistan emerged world champions by overpowering West Indies by 152 runs in the final of the inaugural Over 40s Cricket Global Cup at the National Bank Stadium here on Monday.

Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq’s fluent century enabled Pakistan to post an imposing total of 328-4 in the allotted 45 overs which they defended quite comfortably by bowling their opponents out for 176 in 38.5 overs with spinner Abdul Qadir picking up six wickets for 35 runs.

The West Indians did a fabulous job by containing Pakistani openers Abdul Razzaq and Amjad Ali but Misbah added 173 for the third wicket with Hassan Raza, who made 68 off 64 balls. Misbah departed after scoring 106 off 93 balls with the help of seven sixes and six fours. The cameo from Tasawwar Abbas, who finished unbeaten on 58 off only 21 balls allowed the home side to collect nearly 100 runs from the last seven overs. Former Test leg-spinner Mahendra Nagamootoo (2-50) was the pick of the West Indian bowlers.

West Indies began the chase of 329 in a confident manner with openers Randy Thomas (37 off 51 balls) and Devindra Maharaj (17 off 34 balls) seeing off new ball operators Mohammad Sami and Imran Ali during their 57-run partnership.

The introduction of spin, as expected, brought about their downfall and the sensational spell of Qadir, yielded six wickets which sealed the win.

Lawrence Farnum (41 off 54 balls) and Sanjeev Gooljar (28 off 37 balls) delayed the inevitable for a while by adding 65 for eighth wicket but Hassan took the last three wickets in quick time to close the deal.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2023