Cricket for peace: Pakistan XI beat UK XI by 133 runs

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All-rounder Shahid Afridi lead Pakistan XI to a stunning 133-run victory over UK Media XI in Miranshah, North Waziristan Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Pakistan XI put up a total of 253 off 20 overs for UK Media XI to chase, supported by an astonishing 70 by Afridi.

In response, UK Media XI only managed to make 120 runs for 7 wickets.   UK Media XI  won the toss and opted to field. The match was held as part of the Peace Cup series organized by the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi.

Afridi’s outstanding batting earned him the title of Man of the Match. A large number of audience was present at the stadium to witness their favourite stars including Inzamam ul Haq, Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, Kamran Akmal, Junaid Khan, Umer Gul, Mushtaq Ahmed, Riaz Afridi and Wajhatullah Wasti.  Umar Amin was awarded Best Batsman of the Match for his superb inning.  Media XI was an 18-member team of journalists, lawyers, businessmen and academics aged between 21-62,  The match was a part of wider efforts being undertaken to promote a softer image of Pakistan and to enhance peace efforts in the country.

British journalist Peter Oborne, UK Media XI captain paid tribute to the peace-loving nation and thanked them for a warm welcome.   During the after-match ceremony, he emphasised that Pakistan is a friendly country and more cricket teams must visit to play in the country.  “It’s not just the cricket here.. it’s the people.

It’s been an honour to play here in front of the local crowd,” he added. He also said that he is appreciative of the security situation in the country and observed that there has been tremendous progress in the entire country in this regard.

He also said that it was a great honour for him to play alongside many of the greatest players of all times like Inzamam and Mushtaq.