Pakistan Champions Dominate Australia with a Ten-Wicket Victory in World Championship
Pakistan's Commanding Win Over Australia
In a remarkable display of bowling and a confident batting performance, the Pakistan Champions secured a ten-wicket victory against the Australia Champions during the World Championship of Legends held in Leicester. Saeed Ajmal was the standout performer, achieving impressive bowling figures of 6 wickets for just 16 runs, which dismantled Australia's middle and lower batting order. The struggles of John Hastings further compounded Australia's difficulties, culminating in a swift end to their innings and a decisive win for Pakistan.
Choosing to field first proved beneficial for Shoaib Malik, although the advantages were not immediately apparent. Australia faced challenges early on, with Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan successfully dismissing the openers. Despite an aggressive 26 from Ben Dunk and a steady innings from Callum Ferguson, which brought Australia to 49 for 2 by the sixth over, the batting lineup quickly fell apart.
Ajmal's exceptional bowling turned the match in Pakistan's favor, as he skillfully spun the ball and outsmarted every Australian batsman who managed to stay at the crease. Imad Wasim also contributed significantly with his economical bowling, taking 2 wickets for just 11 runs, while only Dunk and Ferguson managed to score in double figures for Australia.
Chasing a modest target of 75 runs, Pakistan approached the innings with confidence. Openers Sharjeel Khan and Sohaib Maqsood executed the chase effectively, rotating the strike and capitalizing on any loose deliveries. The Australian bowlers posed little threat, and by the eighth over, Pakistan needed only 20 runs to secure their victory.
Bro bowled an 18-ball over 😮 pic.twitter.com/I1eYbrQNcu
— Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin) July 29, 2025
John Hastings had a particularly chaotic over, filled with wides and no-balls, extending to an astonishing 18 deliveries, which effectively sealed the match's outcome. His performance was a significant factor in Australia's collapse.
Captain Brett Lee expressed his disappointment by removing his cap after the match. Sharjeel Khan finished unbeaten on 32 runs, while Maqsood remained not out on 28, leading Pakistan to victory with over seven overs remaining. Ajmal was rightfully named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance.
This victory not only solidified Pakistan Champions' dominance in the group stage, placing them at the top of the WCL table, but it also set the stage for a highly anticipated semi-final against the India Champions. However, the upcoming match is shrouded in uncertainty due to India's withdrawal from a previously scheduled game amid rising political tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.