Picture Credit: X/@WCL
In the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 final played at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground on August 2, South Africa Champions played a fierce brand of cricket and hammered Pakistan Champions by nine wickets. Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan lost their top-order batters Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez within the first powerplay. However, the 72-run stand between Sharjeel Khan and Shoaib Malik for the third wicket handed Pakistan momentum. Sharjeel notched up a swift 76 off just 44 with 13 (nine fours and four maximums) boundaries. Malik followed Sharjeel to the dugout in the next over, after chipping in with only 20 off 25.
Umar Amin and Asif Ali looked magnificent and racked up 36* (19) and 28 (15) runs respectively. Their superb innings took Pakistan Champions to a total of 195/5 in their 20 overs. Wayne Parnell and Hardus Viljoen took two wickets apiece in their four-over spell each. Duanne Olivier picked up the crucial scalp of Asif, who was looking great with his bat.
AB de Villiers' unbeaten 120 guide South Africa to title triumph
Following the huge target, South Africa Champions' skipper AB de Villiers looked relentless against the bowlers. In the opening powerplay, the Proteas amassed 72 runs at the loss of Hashim Amla, who could contribute only 18 off 14. de Villiers, along with JP Duminy, stood at the crease and guided his side to a dominating win in just 16.5 overs.
De Villiers racked up his third ton of the tournament. He came in as an Impact Player in the second innings and remained unbeaten at a score of 120 off 60. His knock included 19 (12 fours and seven sixes) boundaries. JP Duminy also scored unbeaten 50 runs from just 28 balls. De Villiers' batting brilliance also made him the Player of the Match (POTM).
