World XI make it 1-1

World XI beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 international to level the three-match series at 1-1 at Lahore's Gaddafi stadium on Wednesday.

Hashim Amla (72) and Thisara Perera (47) batted with aggression to help the visitors reach a 175-run target in 19.5 overs to set up an intriguing final match on Friday.

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal and Amla had given the visitors a rollicking start before Tamim fell to a sharp catch by Shoaib Malik off the bowling of Sohail Khan. The left-handed opener had hit two fours and a majestic six during his 19-ball 23.

While Tamim was dismissed, Amla held one end, and with the help of big-hitting Perera at No. 5, World XI scrambled home with one ball to spare.

Pakistan had scored 174-6 in their 20 overs.

Babar Azam (45), Ahmed Shehzad (43) and Shoaib Malik (39) had good starts but none of them went on to score big, as Pakistan found it tough going on a slow and low pitch.

Sri Lankan paceman Perera and West Indian spinner Samuel Badree claimed two wickets apiece for the World XI.

The Twenty20 match, accorded international status by the International Cricket Council, is only the second time Pakistan has hosted an international match since militants attacked the bus of the visiting Sri Lankan team in March 2009, killing eight people and injuring seven players and staff.

SCORES IN BRIEF

PAKISTAN: 174 for 6 in 20 overs (Fakhar 21, Shehzad 43, Babar 45, Malik 39; Badree 2-31, Perera 2-23)

WORLD XI: 175 for 3 in 19.5 overs (Tamim 23, Amla 72 not out, Perera 47 not out; Imad 1-27)

Result: World XI won by 7 wickets