South Africa Champions produced a stunning performance to beat Pakistan Champions by 9 wickets and lift the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 trophy. AB de Villiers stole the show with a breathtaking century, guiding his team to their first-ever WCL title.
Pakistan Champions Set a Strong Total
Batting first on a lively Edgbaston pitch, Pakistan Champions posted 195/5 in 20 overs.
- Sharjeel Khan was the star with the bat, smashing 76 off 44 balls, studded with 9 fours and 4 sixes. His aggressive approach kept Pakistan ahead during the Powerplay.
- Mohammad Hafeez (17 off 10) and Shoaib Malik (20 off 16) offered brief support in the middle order.
- In the final overs, Umar Amin (36* off 19) and Asif Ali (28 off 15) launched a late assault, adding crucial runs to push Pakistan close to the 200-run mark.
South Africa’s bowlers did well to keep things under control despite the onslaught.
- Wayne Parnell picked up 2/32, removing Hafeez and Malik at key moments.
- Hardus Viljoen also claimed 2/38, including the prized scalp of Sharjeel Khan, which slowed Pakistan’s momentum.
- Duanne Olivier chipped in with a wicket during the death overs to restrict further damage.
Pakistan’s innings ended on a high, but given South Africa’s batting firepower, 195 always looked slightly under par.
De Villiers Turns the Final into a One-Man Show
The chase began cautiously, with Hashim Amla falling early for 10. However, what followed was pure batting brilliance.
- AB de Villiers, despite carrying a slight hamstring strain, played one of the greatest innings of his career. He smashed 120 off 60 balls*, peppered with 12 fours and 7 sixes. His strokeplay was a mix of innovation and power, dismantling Pakistan’s bowlers with ease.
- Jean-Paul Duminy played the perfect supporting role, scoring 50 off 28 balls*. He rotated strike early and then unleashed big shots to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The pair added 145 runs for the second wicket, completely dominating Pakistan’s attack. By the 15th over, the result was a foregone conclusion, and South Africa sealed the win with 19 balls to spare.
AB de Villiers Played Through Injury Because His Kids Wanted to See Him in the Final
AB de Villiers almost didn’t play the WCL 2025 Final. The South African legend was carrying a hamstring injury and had been advised to take it easy. But for de Villiers, this match wasn’t just another game.
Before the final, his children told him:
“Daddy, we want to see you play in the big match.”
That was all the motivation he needed. Despite not being fully fit, he walked out to bat and produced one of the greatest innings of his career—a sensational 120 off 60 balls* that led South Africa to a historic 9-wicket win over Pakistan.
After the match, de Villiers said it was a special moment for him and his family:
“My kids gave me the push I needed. This innings is for them.”
For fans, it wasn’t just a century; it was a story of determination, love, and inspiration—a reminder that sometimes the biggest victories come from the heart. his century. It wasn’t just about winning a trophy; it was about creating a memory his family would cherish forever.
Match Summery :
Venue & Date: Edgbaston, Birmingham • August 2, 2025
| Team | Innings | Score | Overs | Fall of Wicket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan Champions | 1st Innings | 195 / 5 | 20.0 | 1–14 (Akmal), 2–54 (Hafeez), 3–126 (Sharjeel), 4–132 (Malik), 5–193 (Asif Ali) |
| South Africa Champions | 2nd Innings (chasing 196) | 197 / 1 | 16.5 | Only one wicket: Amla at 18 runs |
This victory handed South Africa their first WCL title, marking a historic moment in the tournament’s short but competitive history.
