World Championship of Legends 2024: Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan shine as India Champions beat Pakistan to be crowned winners

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Birmingham, Jul 13: India Champions have been crowned the champions of the World Championship of Legends 2024 with an emphatic 5-wicket win over Pakistan Champions in the final here at Edgbaston on Saturday (July 13).

Chasing a target of 157 set by Pakistan, the Yuvraj Singh-led side reached home in 19.1 overs after losing 5 wickets and Irfan Pathan hit the winning boundary.

The Indians got off to a fine start but opener Robin Uthappa early (10 off 8 balls) and Suresh Raina (4 off 2) fell quickly in the same over bowled by Aamer Yamin. Also Read: India vs Pakistan World Championship of Legends 2024 Final Result, Scores, Awards & Player of the Match

The setback didn't deter India as Ambati Rayudu and Gurkeerat Singh Mann steadied the innings with a 50-run stand for the third wicket. Rayudu scored 50 off just 30 balls, including five fours and two sixes, and was awarded the player of the match for his performance. Mann too contributed with vital 34 runs from 33 balls and helped India stay in the driver's seat.

An explosive innings from Yusuf Pathan further tilted the game in India's favour as the right-handed batter smashed 30 runs off just 16 balls, including two sixes and one four, before being caught by Maqsood off Riaz. Skipper Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan then ensured India crossed the finish line with 5 balls to spare.

Aamer Yamin was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, taking two wickets for 29 runs in his three overs but his efforts alone were not enough as there weren't many runs on the board to defend. Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan also chipped in with a wicket each.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan skipper Younis Khan won the toss and elected to bat first. Kamran Akmal, opening the batting, scored a quickfire 24 off 19 balls to give his team a fine start. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, with Sharjeel Khan (12) and Maqsood (21) being dismissed early.

Despite the setbacks, Pakistan's middle order showed resilience. Shoaib Malik played a crucial knock of 41 runs from just 23 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes to accelerate the innings.

Younis Khan, although steady with 7 runs off 11 balls, couldn't stay long enough to make a significant impact. A pivotal moment came when Misbah, after scoring 18 off 15 balls, had to retire hurt, further complicating Pakistan's innings.

Contributions from Aamer Yamin (7) and Tanvir, who played an unbeaten cameo of 19 from 9 balls, helped Pakistan reach a respectable total. Their innings closed at 156 for 6 in 20 overs, a score bolstered by the lower-order efforts.

India's bowling attack, led by Anureet Singh (3/43), was commendable. Vinay Kumar and Harbhajan Singh chipped in well, while Irfan Pathan's economical spell kept the scoring in check.

Pawan Negi, though expensive, managed to break a partnership at crucial junctures. Rahul Shukla was also economical as he conceded 31 runs from his quota of 4 overs.

Yusuf Pathan was named the player of the tournament for his dominant performance in the competition while Rayudu bagged the player of the match award for the final.