Pakistan Champions Defeat South Africa Champions by 31 Runs in World Championship of Legends 2025
In a thrilling encounter at the ongoing *World Championship of Legends 2025* in England, Pakistan Champions emerged victorious over South Africa Champions by 31 runs on Friday. This win marks their second consecutive victory in the tournament.
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 198 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal gave a solid start, with Sharjeel scoring 19 off 11 balls and Kamran adding 17 off 11. However, captain Mohammad Hafeez was dismissed for just 8 runs, leaving Pakistan slightly unsettled.
A crucial partnership of 79 runs between Shoaib Malik and Umar Amin followed, stabilizing the innings. Umar Amin played a brilliant knock of 58 runs off 42 balls, while Shoaib Malik remained unbeaten on 46 runs from 34 balls.
As Pakistan neared the end of their innings, Asif Ali unleashed a quickfire 23 runs from just 11 balls, which included 2 sixes and 2 fours. Aamir Yamin added an unbeaten 11 runs off 4 balls, taking Pakistan to a total of 198.
South Africa’s Dwaine Olivier was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 wickets.
Chasing a daunting target of 199, South Africa’s batting faltered. Despite a strong 44-run innings off 20 balls from Morne van Wyk, the South African team could only muster 167 runs in their 20 overs, falling short by 31 runs. Van Wyk, along with Wayne Parnell (21 from 9 balls) and Chris Morris (10 runs), put up some resistance but could not take their side over the line.
For Pakistan, Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Hafeez were the standout bowlers, picking up 2 wickets each. Ruman Raees, Shoaib Malik, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz, and Imad Wasim all chipped in with 1 wicket each to help seal the win.
With this 31-run victory, Pakistan Champions secured their second successive win in the tournament. Earlier, they had defeated England in their opening match, while their scheduled match against India was canceled due to external pressures. Reports indicate that there were calls for not including Shahid Afridi in the playing XI, with Indian cricketers like Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, and Harbhajan Singh opposing the match.
Indian media also raised concerns, questioning the necessity of the game. Amid growing pressure, the organizers decided to cancel the match.
Pakistan’s next match is scheduled against the West Indies Champions today, as they continue their quest for glory in the prestigious event.
