KEY POINTS
- Saeed Ajmal’s six-wicket spell dismantled Australia for 74, setting the stage for a commanding victory
- Sharjeel Khan and Sohaib Maqsood guided Pakistan to an effortless chase, sealing the win without losing a wicket
LEICESTER, England: Pakistan Champions thrashed Australia Champions by 10 wickets in the 14th match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 on Tuesday. The dominant win lifted Pakistan to the top of the standings with nine points from five matches.
Tasked with chasing a modest 75-run target, Pakistan’s batsmen delivered a clinical performance, cruising to victory without losing a single wicket and with 50 balls to spare.
Sharjeel Khan led the charge with a breezy unbeaten 32 off 23 balls, punctuated by five crisp boundaries, while Sohaib Maqsood provided flawless support, unbeaten on 28 from 26 deliveries with four elegant fours.
The day’s heroics, however, belonged to Saeed Ajmal, whose mesmerizing spin bowling tore through Australia’s lineup.
Taking six wickets for just 16 runs in an electrifying 3.5-over spell, Ajmal spun webs around the Australian batsmen, dismantling their innings in a mere 11.5 overs.
Australia’s chase never found its footing. Early blows saw their openers Shaun Marsh and Chris Lynn back in the pavilion cheaply, leaving the visitors struggling at 17 for 2.
Though a brief resistance came from Ben Duck and D’Arcy Short with a 37-run partnership, the Australian hopes were soon dashed. Ajmal’s magic claimed Duck, Short, and a flurry of wickets soon after, reducing Australia to a precarious 53 for 3.
Imad Wasim added to Australia’s misery, claiming two quick wickets and ensuring no momentum could be regained. The combined spin duo of Ajmal and Imad ran through the tail, wrapping up Australia for a meager 74 runs.
Captain Shoaib Malik’s decision to bowl first proved spot-on, with his bowlers executing plans to perfection.
Apart from the stellar spin attack, Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan chipped in with crucial wickets, sealing a comprehensive team effort.
With this dominating triumph, Pakistan Champions leapfrog to the top of the WCL 2025 leader board, holding nine points from five matches.
Meanwhile, Australia Champions remain in third place with five points, already assured of a semi-final berth along with South Africa, who now sit in second.
