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In the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 opener between England Champions and Pakistan Champions at Edgbaston, the latter side clinched a five-run win and kicked off their campaign with a victory. During the game, Mohammad Hafeez batted exceptionally and amassed 54 off just 34. His innings was studded with eight fours. His knock, accompanied by the rapid innings of Aamer Yamin’s unbeaten 27 off 13, helped Pakistan Champions post a decent score of 160/9 in their 20 overs. Earlier, when Pakistan lost two quick wickets within the first powerplay, Hafeez walked into the middle to support Umar Amin.
Both built a 17-run partnership but in the eighth over, Amin, while stealing a run, failed to have an effective communication with Hafeez, which resulted in the former’s run out. Amin, while batting at number three, could score only six runs off nine balls. After Amin’s departure, Hafeez stabilised Pakistan’s innings and helped his side put up a fine total on the board. Hafeez’s batting performance also made him the Player of the Match (POTM).
Rumman Raees emerged as the unsung hero of the match
Hafeez’s batting excellence made him the star of the game but it was left-arm pacer Rumman Raees, who bowled with discipline and helped his team restrict England on 155. In the fifth over, he cleaned up Alastair Cook, who could score only seven off 15. Raees completed his four-over spell with 1/14.
Besides Raees, Aamer Yamin also put up a scintillating performance. After playing a fierce innings with the bat, he also bowled a thrifty spell. Bowling four overs, he splurged only 27 runs and got the scalp of James Vince. After beating England, Pakistan Champions will next play against India Champions in the Sunday clash to be held at Edgbaston on July 20.
