Pakistan Champions Crush Australia by 10 Wickets | WCL 2025 Match Report
Introduction
In a commanding performance at Grace Road, Leicester on July 29, 2025, the Pakistan Champions demolished the Australia Champions by 10 wickets in the 14th match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, finishing the chase in just 7.5 overs. Saeed Ajmal’s impactful spin spell (6/16) paved the way. Read the full report.
Background: The Legends Reunite
The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 — played between legendary players from India, Pakistan, South Africa, England, Australia, and West Indies — showcased iconic retired stars in a T20 format across England’s historic grounds . Pakistan Champions, the top-ranked side with four wins from five games, met Australia Champions (two victories) in this key league encounter .
Australia’s First Innings Collapse
Australia Champions managed just 74 all out in 11.5 overs.
Saeed Ajmal ripped through their batting with a devastating 6-for (6 wickets for 16 runs in 3.5 overs), including a hat-trick of wickets in his opening over .
Imad Wasim also chipped in with two wickets for 11 runs.
Callum Ferguson top-scored with a mere 10 runs .
Australia suffered wides-heavy overs—particularly John Hastings’ disastrous final over, leaking 12 wides and a no-ball, costing 19 runs .
The Chase: Pakistan's Blistering Start
Invited to chase, Pakistan made light work of the target:
Sharjeel Khan remained unbeaten on 32 off 23 balls with five fours.
Sohaib Maqsood notched unbeaten 28 off 26 balls .
The total of 75 was reached in just 7.5 overs, as extras from Australia bowlers (mostly wides) contributed 14 runs—especially in the final, chaotic over .
Key Stats at a Glance
Statistic Details
Australia Champions 74 all out in 11.5 overs
Pakistan Champions (Chase) 75/0 in 7.5 overs
Player of the Match Saeed Ajmal – 6 wickets for 16 runs
Batting Leaders Sharjeel Khan (32*), Sohaib Maqsood (28*)
Extras on AUS side 14 wides + 1 no-ball – impact overs
Venue Grace Road, Leicester
Why This Match Matters
Spin dominance reasserted in T20 legends cricket, with Ajmal’s masterclass underlining the value of guile and experience.
Australia's bowling meltdown—especially Conor Hastings—highlights fragile form despite playoff qualification.
Pakistan’s chasing efficiency confirms their readiness for knockout rounds.
Fixture impact: Pakistan sealed the top position in WCL group standings; Australia already secure semis spot with mixed form .
Tournament Context & Wider Impact
The WCL 2025 brings back cricket legends in competitive T20 action. With 18 matches across England from July 18 to August 2, fans relive cricket’s golden era with modern intensity. Teams include retired stars from major cricketing nations, and Pakistan continues its dominant form, while Australia looks to regain momentum ahead of the semis .
Match Turning Points & Tactical Analysis
First over impact: Ajmal’s opening over rocked Australia with three wickets, quickly turning the match.
Extras effect: Australia's loose discipline gifted Pakistan valuable runs in the chase—especially that 19-run final over.
Finisher roles: Sharjeel and Maqsood built a measured chase, taking advantage of poor bowling to wrap the match before the powerplay ended.
What’s Next: Knockout Implications
Pakistan Champions top the table and enter semis with confidence. Australia, though third, must rekindle form to challenge South Africa in the knockout phase. For legends cricket, momentum matters—even with retired stars .
Pakistan’s management may now test squad depth or plan tailored matchups ahead. Australia may tweak their bowling line-up to avoid another weak performance under pressure.
Final Thoughts
This emphatic win showcases the perfect blend of experience, precision bowling, and calm finishing. Saeed Ajmal's spell was a demonstration of legend-level skill, while Sharjeel and Maqsood ensured it stayed simple with technique and timing. Pakistan Champions have now stamped themselves as the WCL 2025 frontrunners.