India Clinch Inaugural World Championship of Legends Title by Defeating Pakistan in a Thrilling Final
The stage was set at Edgbaston, Birmingham for a historic clash as India Champions and Pakistan Champions faced off in the final of the inaugural World Championship of Legends (WCL) on July 13th, 2024.
Pakistan Sets a Decent Target
Pakistan captain Younis Khan opted to bat first, and their innings got off to a shaky start. The Indian bowlers, led by the experienced Anureet Singh (3/43), kept things tight, restricting the run flow. While Shoaib Malik and Tanvir Afridi provided some late impetus, taking Pakistan past the 150-run mark, they were eventually bowled out for 156 runs in their 20 overs.
Rayudu Shines, Pathan Brothers Deliver
Chasing a modest target, India got off to a flying start thanks to a magnificent innings by Ambati Rayudu. He smashed a quick-fire 50 off just 30 balls, putting India in a commanding position. After his dismissal, Gurkeerat Singh Mann (34 off 33 balls) provided crucial support. A brief middle-order wobble threatened to derail the chase, but the Pathan brothers ensured India crossed the finish line. Yusuf Pathan, known for his big-hitting prowess, played a cameo of 30 runs off just 16 balls, including three sixes, to take the game away from Pakistan. Irfan Pathan finished things off in style with a boundary to seal a convincing 5-wicket victory for India with 5 balls to spare.
Key Players for India
- Ambati Rayudu: His aggressive knock at the top of the order set the tone for the chase.
- Yusuf Pathan: His quickfire cameo ensured India didn’t lose momentum after Rayudu’s dismissal.
- Anureet Singh: His economical bowling spell restricted Pakistan’s scoring rate in the first half.
A Memorable Victory
This victory marked a significant moment for Indian cricket, with several legendary players like Yuvraj Singh (captain), Irfan and Yusuf Pathan, and Virender Sehwag featuring in the tournament. The win was a testament to their experience and ability to perform under pressure on the big stage.
For more details on the match, you can check out news articles like “India vs Pakistan, WCL Final Highlights: India Champions beat Pakistan Champions by 5 wickets to win 2024 World Championship of Legends” [Times of India] or “WCL 2024 Final: India Champions hammer Pakistan Champions to win trophy” [India Today]. You can also find video highlights of the match on YouTube.
DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
