Karachi — In the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, Pakistan Champions continued their winning streak by defeating South Africa Champions by 31 runs. The crucial group match was played at Grace Road where Pakistan set a big target of 198 runs batting first. In response, the South African team was restricted to 167/9 in 20 overs.
Match Highlights:
- Toss: South Africa won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat.
- Pakistan Score: 198/5 (20 overs)
- South Africa Score: 167/9 (20 overs)
- Result: Pakistan won by 31 runs
- Player of the Match: Shoaib Malik (All-round performance)
Excellent Balance in Batting:
Innings of Pakistan started aggressively but the early wickets fell quickly. After Sharjeel Khan (19) and Kamran Akmal (17), captain Mohammad Hafeez could also score only 8 runs. However, the middle order supported the team.
Key Batting Performances:
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
| Umar Amin | 58 | 42 | 4 | 3 |
| Shoaib Malik | 46* | 34 | 3 | 2 |
| Asif Ali | 23 | 11 | 2 | 1 |
| Aamer Yamin | 11* | 6 | 1 | 0 |
Bowling Dominance:
South Africa began with an aggressive intent but Pakistani bowlers struck consistently to turn the game around.
Key Bowling Figures:
| Bowler | Overs | Runs Conceded | Wickets |
| Mohammad Hafeez | 3 | 25 | 2 |
| Sohail Tanvir | 4 | 29 | 2 |
| Wahab Riaz | 4 | 30 | 1 |
| Shoaib Malik | 3 | 22 | 1 |
| Imad Wasim | 2 | 18 | 1 |
| Rumman Raees | 2 | 20 | 1 |
Top Performers of South Africa:
- Morne van Wyk: Unbeaten 44 runs
- Wayne Parnell: 21 runs (off 9 balls)
- JJ Smuts: 10 runs
- Other batters failed to reach double figures
Meaning of Victory and Next Stage
This is the second consecutive victory of Pakistan Champions which has given them a significant lead in the group. Under the leadership of captain Mohammad Hafeez, the team is looking balanced especially the performance of all-rounders has given confidence to the team.
Next Match:
- Opponent: West Indies Champions
- Venue: Headingley, Leeds
- Date: Saturday, July 27, 2025
The Pakistan champions clearly defeated South Africa through an all-round performance and will take the field in the next match with the hope of winning as well. Looking at the current form, it can be said that the team is becoming a strong candidate for the WCL title.
