EDGBASTON, United Kingdom: Sharjeel Khan led from the front with a blistering 76 off 44 balls as Pakistan Champions set a daunting 196-run target for South Africa Champions in the final of the World Championship of Legends 2025 on Saturday.
The left-hander’s aggressive knock laid the foundation for a strong total of 195 for 5 in 20 overs, giving Pakistan the upper hand in the title clash at Edgbaston.
After losing Kamran Akmal early for just 2, the Pakistani camp might have sensed early nerves — but Sharjeel Khan had other plans.
Unleashing a thunderous counterattack, he dominated the South African bowling with a breath-taking 76 off 44 balls, laced with nine boundaries and four towering sixes.
His innings was a masterclass in tempo and timing, turning the tide firmly in Pakistan’s favour during the powerplay and middle overs.
Mohammad Hafeez, standing in as captain, gave a short but sharp cameo of 17 off 10 balls, before Wayne Parnell ended his stay in the sixth over.
Shoaib Malik tried to steady the ship with a patient 20 off 25, though his innings slightly slowed the pace.
Umar Amin and Asif Ali brought out the fireworks, ensuring the innings ended with a flourish.
Amin remained unbeaten on a blistering 36 off 19, while Asif Ali smacked a quick 28 off 15, peppering the ground with sixes and boundaries.
The final five overs produced 64 runs, turning a good total into a formidable one.
Sharjeel fell in the 14th over and Malik followed soon after, but Pakistan’s momentum never waned, thanks to the fearless lower middle order.
For South Africa, Wayne Parnell (4-0-32-2) and Hardus Viljoen (4-0-38-2) led the bowling effort with two wickets apiece, while Duanne Olivier picked up a scalp in the final over, albeit conceding heavily.
With 195 on the board, Pakistan have thrown down the gauntlet. South Africa, now face a challenging chase in a high-stakes finale brimming with legends and legacy.
Pakistan Champions Playing XI
Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal (wk), Mohammad Hafeez (c), Asif Ali, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Umar Amin, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Tanvir, Rumman Raees, Saeed Ajmal
South Africa Champions Playing XI
Hashim Amla, JJ Smuts, Morne van Wyk (wk), Sarel Erwee, JP Duminy, Wayne Parnell, Hardus Viljoen, Jacques Rudolph, Aaron Phangiso, Imran Tahir, Duanne Olivier, AB de Villiers (c)
