The World Championship of Legends 2025 kicked off in style with a nail-biting opener as Pakistan Champions edged out England Champions by just 5 runs in a high-voltage clash at Edgbaston on Thursday.
From blistering knocks to last-over drama, this match had everything cricket fans could dream of!
🇵🇰 Pakistan Set Up a Fighting Total
After being sent in to bat first, Pakistan Champions had a rocky start, losing 4 wickets inside the powerplay. But their skipper Mohammad Hafeez led from the front, smashing 54 runs off just 34 balls, including classy boundaries and timely sixes.
Late-order fireworks came from Aamer Yamin (27 off 13)* and Sohail Tanvir (17 off 11), who added crucial runs in the final overs. Pakistan finished at a competitive 160/9 in 20 overs.
Top Pakistan Batters:
- Mohammad Hafeez – 54 (34)
- Aamer Yamin – 27* (13)
- Sohail Tanvir – 17 (11)
England’s bowlers kept things tight, with Liam Plunkett and Chris Tremlett grabbing two wickets each.
Close… But Not Close Enough for England
Chasing 161, England Champions made a cautious start but soon picked up pace thanks to Phil Mustard’s half-century. He scored a gritty 58 off 51 balls, while Ian Bell anchored the innings with an unbeaten 51 off 35.
At one point, it looked like England would comfortably take the win. But Pakistan’s bowlers turned the tide in the death overs.
The turning point? The final over!
With 11 runs needed from 6 balls, Sohail Khan held his nerve and conceded just 10 runs, securing a 5-run victory for Pakistan!
Top England Batters:
- Phil Mustard – 58 (51)
- Ian Bell – 51* (35)
Match-Winning Performances
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Hafeez | 54 off 34 (Pakistan Captain’s knock) |
| Aamer Yamin | 27* off 13 (Late-order blitz) |
| Rumman Raees | 4-0-14-0 (Economical spell) |
| Sohail Khan | Final over hero (Defended 11 runs) |
| Phil Mustard | 58 off 51 (England’s top scorer) |
| Ian Bell | 51* off 35 (Almost pulled off the win) |
Star Performances
- Hafeez played a classic captain’s knock under pressure.
- Kamran Akmal had a nervous moment behind the stumps, reminding fans of his past fumbles – but it didn’t cost Pakistan the game.
- Sohail Khan’s final over was pure gold under pressure.
- The crowd at Edgbaston was electric – what a way to start WCL 2025!
Final Scorecard Summary
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Pakistan Champions | 160/9 (20 overs) |
| England Champions | 155/3 (20 overs) |
