World XI hit back, win second match

Lahore, September 13

World XI beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 international to level the three-match series 1-1 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium here today. Hashim Amla (72) and Thisara Perera (47) batted aggressively to help the visitors reach a 175-run target in 19.5 overs to set up an intriguing final match on Friday. 

Pakistan had scored 174/6 in their 20 overs. Babar Azam (45), Ahmed Shehzad (43) and Shoaib Malik (39) made good contributions but no other batsman managed to get going on a low and slow pitch. Sri Lankan paceman Perera and West Indian spinner Samuel Badree claimed two wickets apiece for World XI. 

Brief scores: Pakistan 174 (Azam 45, Shehzad 43, Malik 39; Badree 2/31, Perera 2/23); World XI: 175/3 (Amla 72*, Perera 47*)

ICC backs return of cricket in Pakistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed to back Pakistan's efforts to resume international cricket in their own country and said it would provide financial assistance for security needs. ICC Chief Executive David Richardson called the three-match T20 series between World XI and Pakistan an “important stepping stone” for Pakistan to earn the “confidence of the international sporting community”. “The ICC has already agreed to invest in security and improving the security capabilities for a three-year period,” Richardson said. — Agencies