Houston, TX – Cricket enthusiasts witnessed an unforgettable day of sportsmanship as Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup-winning team clashed with Houston’s local side, Knight Riders United, in an exhilarating exhibition match held at Mosa Cricket Stadium. The friendly match, organized at the invitation of Majid Rizvi, exemplified the unifying power of cricket, transcending borders and bringing together fans and players alike.

The Pakistan team, led by Younis Khan, batted first and set a challenging target of 170 runs in 20 overs. Star performances came from opener Kamran Akmal, who scored 41 runs, Fawad Alam with a solid 48, and Abdul Razzaq’s impactful 37. Shahid Afridi’s quickfire 26 runs kept the excitement high and the crowd cheering.

In their chase, Knight Riders United made a strong start thanks to a blistering knock of 82 runs by Bishnoi, but they ultimately fell short by 10 runs. For Pakistan, Abdul Razzaq’s three-wicket haul, along with Umar Gul’s two wickets and a crucial contribution from Misbah-ul-Haq, ensured their victory.

The match was part of the “Jeet Ka Safar” tour, where members of the legendary squad, including Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Malik, and others, visited various states in the U.S., spreading the spirit of cricket diplomacy. The delegation received a warm reception upon their arrival in Houston and Dallas, underscoring the deep-rooted love for cricket among the diaspora.

Event coverage by Madiha Masood highlighted the palpable excitement, with fans relishing the chance to see cricket legends up close. “The energy in the stadium was electric,” Madiha noted, capturing heartfelt moments of interaction between the legends and the crowd.

Rafa Ahmed, the organizer of the “Jeet Ka Safar” program, expressed his delight at the overwhelming success of the tour and announced plans to host Indian and Pakistani teams for future visits, further strengthening cricketing ties and community bonds.

For exclusive coverage and more stories, visit Madihamasood.live.