Pakistan Champions began their World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 campaign on a winning note, clinching a tense five-run victory over England Champions at Edgbaston.
Skipper Mohammad Hafeez led from the front with a brisk half-century, which proved crucial in the grand scheme of things. Batting first, Pakistan Champions lost early wickets, with Kamran Akmal (8), Sharjeel Khan (12), and Umar Amin (6) departing inside the first seven overs. But Hafeez counterattacked with an aggressive 54 off just 34 balls.
Despite losing wickets regularly, Pakistan posted a competitive 160/9 after Aamer Yamin (27* off 13) and Sohail Tanvir (17 off 11) provided crucial late runs that ultimately proved decisive.
Chasing a target of 161, England fell short despite a strong finish, ending at 155/3 in their 20 overs. England Champions looked on course for a successful chase, anchored by a steady 58 from Phil Mustard and a fluent 51* by Ian Bell. However, the asking rate crept up after a tight spell from Shoaib Malik and Rumman Raees, with the latter returning brilliant figures of 1/14 in his four overs.
The win marks an ideal start for Mohammad Hafeez’s men, who will now look to build on this momentum in their remaining group matches. With Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, and Kamran Akmal in the ranks and the bowling lineup all fired up, the Pakistan Champions carry both experience and firepower.
Pakistan’s next fixture in the World Championship of Legends 2025 will be a massive one, as they will face India Champions tomorrow, aiming to avenge their loss in the final of the first tournament.
The 2025 World Championship of Legends is officially underway, and so is Pakistan’s quest for its first title.
