The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024 final promises to be a thrilling encounter as arch-rivals India Champions and Pakistan Champions lock horns at Edgbaston, Birmingham on July 13. Both teams have been in impressive form throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a mouth-watering clash between the two cricketing giants.
India Champions, led by the charismatic Yuvraj Singh, booked their place in the final with a dominant 86-run victory over Australi Champions in the semifinal. Batting first, India posted a mammoth total of 254-6, thanks to scintillating half-centuries from Robin Uthappa (65), Yuvraj Singh (59), Yusuf Pathan (51), and Irfan Pathan (50). The Pathan brothers put on a stunning display, smashing 95 runs in just 5.4 overs to take the game away from the Aussies.
In response, Australia were never in the chase, losing their top three batsmen inside the Powerplay. Despite a late fightback from Tim Paine (40*) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (30), Australia was bowled out for 168, handing India a comprehensive victory. Pawan Negi (2-35) and Dhawal Kulkarni (2-43) were the pick of the Indian bowlers.
Pakistan Champions, on the other hand, secured their sport in the final by defeating West Indies Champions by 20 runs in the first semifinal. Batting first, Pakistan lost their top three batsmen cheaply, but a 79-run stand between Kamran Akmal (46) and captain Younis Khan (65) steadied the ship. Despite a late collapse, Pakistan managed to post a competitive total of 198-8.
In the chase, West Indies were in the until the 16th over, but the dismissal of Kieron Pollard (44) and Dwayne Bravo (32) in quick succession tilted the balance in Pakistan’s favor. West Indies were eventually bowled out for 178, handing Pakistan a well-deserved victory.
The two teams have already faced each other once in the league stage, where Pakistan Champions emerged victorious by 68 runs, Batting first, Pakistan posted a mammoth 243-5, with Younish Khan scoring a brilliant 65. In response, India Champions were restricted to 175-5, falling well short of the target.
As the two teams gear up for the final, both will be looking to seize the momentum and claim the prestigious WCL title. India Champions will rely heavily on their batting firepower, with Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and the Pathan brothers expected to lead the charge. Pakistan Champions, on the other hand, will bank on their experienced campaigners like Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, and Shoaib Makik to deliver the goods.
The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India, with live streaming available on the FanCode app and website. Cricket fans across the globe will be glued to their screens, eagerly anticipating an epic clash between the two cricketing giants.
The India Champions vs Pakistan Champions clash in the WCL 2024 final was a thrilling encounter that lived up to the hype of an India-Pakistan cricket match Here are the standout moments from the epic final:
Yuvraj Singh’s Masterclass
India Champions captain Yuvraj Singh led from the front, scoring a brilliant 59 off just 35 balls to power his team to a mammoth 254-6 in the first innings. Yuvraj’s innings was laced with 6 fours and 3 sixes, setting the tone for India’s dominant performance.
The Pathan Brother’s Blitz
Irfan Pathan (50 of 23 balls) and Yusuf Pathan (51 of 19 balls) put on a stunning display of power-hitting, smashing 95 runs in just 5.4 overs to take India’s score past 250. Their late onslaught left the Pakistan bowlers stunned and set up India’s victory.
Dhawal Kulkarni and Pawan Negi’s Bowling Heroics
Indian bowlers Dhawal Kulkarni (2-43) and Pawan Negi (2-35) made early inroads into the Pakistan batting line-up, reducing them to 35-3 in the Powerplay. Their disciplined bowling put Pakistan on the back foot and paved the way for India’s comprehensive victory.
Younis Khan’s Defiant Knock
Despite the early setbacks, Pakistan Captain Younis Khan played a fighting innings of 65 to keep his team in the hunt. His experience and composure were on full display as he tried to anchor the Pakistan innings but ultimately fell short of the mammoth target.
Shahid Afridi’s Cameo
Veteran all-rounder Shahid Afridi provided the late fireworks for Pakistan, smashing 37 off just 18 balls. His entertaining knock kept the Pakistan fans engaged, but it wasn’t enough to overhaul India’s massive total.
As the two teams India and Pakistan take the field, the stage is set for a thrilling finale to the WCL 2024. With both teams boasting a strong lineup and a fierce rivalry, the match promises to be a cracker of a contest. Whether it’s India Champions’ batting prowess or Pakistan Champions’ all-round strength, the final is sure to be a fitting end to a memorable tournament.