In a thrilling finale at Edgbaston Stadium, India Champions defeated Pakistan Champions by five wickets to claim the first-ever World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024 title on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 157 runs, India secured their victory in the final over. The Men in Blue got off to a strong start with openers Robin Uthappa and Ambati Rayudu attacking from the outset. Despite Pakistan’s efforts to claw back by dismissing Uthappa (10) and Suresh Raina (4) in quick succession, a crucial 60-run partnership between Rayudu and Gurkeerat Singh steadied the innings. Rayudu’s explosive 30-ball 50, which included five fours and two sixes, and Gurkeerat’s 34 off 33 balls were pivotal in India’s recovery.
Yusuf Pathan further accelerated the chase with a rapid 16-ball 30, while skipper Yuvraj Singh anchored the innings with an unbeaten 15 off 22 balls. Irfan Pathan sealed the win by hitting the decisive runs off Sohail Tanvir. Pakistan’s Aamer Yamin emerged as the standout bowler, taking 2/29.
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Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan Champions posted a total of 156/6. India struck early, removing Sharjeel Khan (9) in the second over. Sohaib Maqsood briefly boosted Pakistan’s run rate with a score of 21, but Vinay Kumar’s timely wicket stifled the momentum. Kamran Akmal (9) and Younis Khan (7) failed to build on their starts.
Shoaib Malik provided stability with a measured 41 off 36 balls, though the sluggish pitch hindered his ability to accelerate. Misbah-ul-Haq contributed 18 runs before being retired out, while Sohail Tanvir’s brisk 19 helped push the total past 150. Anureet Singh was India’s most effective bowler, claiming three wickets.
Playing XIs: India Champions: Robin Uthappa (wk), Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh (c), Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Pawan Negi, Vinay Kumar, Harbhajan Singh, Rahul Shukla, Anureet Singh
Pakistan Champions: Kamran Akmal (wk), Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan (c), Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Khan
