Pakistan Champions Edge Out England In Thriller To Kick Off WCL 2025

Add as a preferred source on Google

WCL 2025: In a thrilling curtain-raiser to the World Championship of Legends 2025 at Edgbaston, Pakistan Champions defeated England Champions by five runs, defending a competitive total of 161 in a closely fought contest.

Batting first, Pakistan Champions posted 160 for 9 in their 20 overs, built around a classy knock of 54 off 34 balls by MOTM Mohammad Hafeez, who held the innings together after a rocky start. His knock featured some elegant strokes and clever placement.

The late fireworks came from Aamer Yamin, who smashed an unbeaten 27 off just 13 balls, while Sohail Tanvir chipped in with 17 off 11 to provide vital impetus. The final five overs yielded 58 runs, with 22 coming in the last over, propelling Pakistan to a fighting total.

For England, Liam Plunkett was the standout bowler with 2 for 28, using his variations to good effect. Chris Tremlett also picked up two wickets, while Stuart Meaker kept things tight, conceding just 25 runs and claiming a wicket in his spell.

In response, England Champions made a steady start after losing an early wicket, with Phil Mustard leading the charge. The left-hander kept the scoreboard ticking with regular boundaries and smart running between the wickets, compiling a well-made 58 off 51 balls. He fell LBW to Tanvir in the 16th over, which turned the momentum slightly in Pakistan's favour.

Ian Bell, however, kept England in the hunt with a fluent 51 not out off 35 balls, striking key boundaries in the 18th over, including a six and two fours, to raise England's hopes. Eoin Morgan, though, couldn't accelerate, managing only 16 off 12.

Despite some pressure on Pakistan from Wahab Riaz's expensive 19th over, which included two no-balls, Sohail Khan held his nerve in the final over, giving away 10 runs when 16 were needed.

Rumman Raees was exceptional, returning figures of 4-0-14-1, and along with Tanvir and Khan, ensured a thrilling victory for Pakistan Champions to start their campaign on a high.