Picture Credit: X/@WCL
In the second semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, South Africa Champions held their nerves and beat Australia Champions by one-run. Winning the toss, South Africa captain AB de Villiers elected to bat first. In the second over, their captain de Villiers lost his wicket to pacer Peter Siddle after scoring only six off four. Riding on the 111-run partnership for the second wicket between JJ Smuts and wicketkeeper-batter Morne van Wyk, South Africa created pressure on Australia.
Smuts fell against Dan Christian after accumulating 57 off 41 but van Wyk stood at the crease until the 16th over and concluded his knock after hoarding 76 off 35. The stumper's knock was studded with 12 boundaries (seven fours and five maximums). After 20 overs, South Africa erected a total of 186/8. For Australia, Siddle emerged as the most successful bowler with 4/30 figures in four overs. D'Arcy Short also picked up two wickets while captain Brett Lee and Dan Christian got one-wicket respectively.
Australia Champions denied WCL Final spot by one-run
Australia Champions started the chase confidently as their openers Shaun Marsh and Chris Lynn added 45 runs together for the opening wicket in just 27 balls. Wayne Parnell got rid of dangerous Lynn, who ended his innings after hitting a remarkable 35 off 20. After hunting Lynn's scalp, Parnell also picked up Marsh, who could score 25 off 17.
The Aussies kept on losing wickets in regular intervals but it was Dan Christian, who took his side close to the total. He stood at the crease until the last delivery of the match. On the final ball, Christian was on strike and he was required to score three runs to help his team cross the line. Christian couldn't play a big shot and while stealing a run, and Nathan Coulter-Nile got run out which ended Australia's campaign in the knockouts. Parnell became the Player of the Match (POTM) for bagging 2/33 figures in his four overs.
