WCL 2024 Final: Irfan Pathan Silences Pakistan With Kiss To His Wife and Waved The Indian Flag

Add as a preferred source on Google

In a thrilling final at Edgbaston, the Indian Champions clinched the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024 title, defeating Pakistan Champions by five wickets.

The match was a nail-biting spectacle, but it was Irfan Pathan’s touching celebration that stole the show, bringing an emotional climax to an already unforgettable event.

As the Indian team erupted in celebrations, Irfan Pathan's poignant gesture became the highlight. In front of a packed stadium, Pathan kissed his wife, Safa Baig, on the forehead, a moment that resonated deeply with fans. This act of love and victory symbolized his personal and professional comeback, especially poignant given his costly performance in an earlier match against Pakistan.

Pathan’s celebratory kiss wasn’t the first time he expressed his affection on the field. Earlier, a video of him blowing a kiss to Safa Baig from the stands during the semi-final against Australia Champions went viral. In that match, Pathan's blistering 50 off 19 balls had already captured the fans' hearts, and his public display of affection added a personal touch to his on-field heroics.

Batting first, Pakistan Champions managed to post a modest total of 156 runs. Kamran Akmal's early contribution of 24 runs gave Pakistan a decent start, while Shoaib Malik's aggressive 41 runs provided a late boost. However, India's bowlers dominated the innings. Anureet Singh’s remarkable spell yielded three crucial wickets, while Vinay Kumar, Irfan Pathan, and Pawan Negi chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring Pakistan never found their rhythm.

Rayudu and Yusuf's Heroics

India's chase was powered by Ambati Rayudu’s brisk 50 off 30 balls, setting a solid foundation. Gurkeerat Singh Mann played a steady hand, scoring 34 runs in 33 balls, making the path to victory smoother for India. In the final overs, Yusuf Pathan's explosive 30 off 16 balls, including three towering sixes and a boundary, sealed the win. Irfan Pathan added the final flourish, hitting a four on the first ball of the last over, securing India’s victory with five wickets to spare.

This victory was particularly sweet for the Indian Champions, who avenged their earlier loss to Pakistan Champions in the league stage. The final wasn’t just about lifting the trophy; it was about redemption, emotion, and a unified celebration of cricket and love. Irfan Pathan’s kiss became a symbolic moment of pride and triumph, encapsulating the spirit of the game and the passion it ignites among players and fans alike.