LEICESTER (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Champions secured a commanding win over the South Africa Champions in the ninth match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 at Grace Road, Leicester. The thrilling contest saw Pakistan Champions excel in all departments, ending with a 31-run victory.
Batting first, the Pakistan Champions posted an impressive total of 198 for 5 in 20 overs. Umar Amin led the charge with a composed 58 off 42 balls, while Shoaib Malik remained unbeaten with 46 off 34. Their 79-run stand laid the foundation for a big total. Asif Ali added a late surge with 23 off just 11 balls, pushing the score close to the 200 mark.
The South Africa Champions struggled during their chase. Despite a fighting 44-run knock from Morne van Wyk, they could only manage 167 for 9. Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Hafeez, who picked up two wickets each, kept things tight and consistently broke partnerships.
Early wickets hampered South Africa’s momentum, with their top three batters back in the pavilion by the seventh over. From there, the Pakistan bowlers tightened their grip, leaving the South Africa Champions short of the target.
This win marks another step forward for the Pakistan Champions in the WCL 2025, boosting their confidence and keeping them in strong contention for a spot in the next round.
Playing XIs
South Africa Champions: Hashim Amla, Henry Davids, JJ Smuts, Sarel Erwee, Jean-Paul Duminy, Morne van Wyk (wk), Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso (c), Hardus Viljoen, Duanne Olivier
Pakistan Champions: Kamran Akmal(w), Sharjeel Khan, Umar Amin, Mohammad Hafeez(c), Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz
