The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 kicked off with a thrilling encounter at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, where the Pakistan Champions edged out the England Champions by a narrow margin of five runs. This eagerly awaited rematch of cricketing greats marked the return of the tournament for its second season, showcasing some of the sport's most revered former international stars in a celebration of cricket's golden era.
Held on Friday, July 18, 2025, the match was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with both teams displaying flashes of brilliance and moments of tension that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The tournament, sanctioned by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), features six teams representing cricketing powerhouses, each led by legendary captains such as Eoin Morgan for England and Shahid Afridi for Pakistan.
Pakistan won the toss but elected to bat first under the captaincy of Mohammad Hafeez. Despite a rocky start with early wickets, the Pakistan Champions managed to post a competitive total of 160 for 9 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a stellar performance from Mohammad Hafeez himself, who earned the Man of the Match title with a classy 54 runs off 34 balls, including eight boundaries. Hafeez's innings was a masterclass in timing and control, providing the backbone for Pakistan's late surge.
Contributions from the lower order proved invaluable, as Aamer Yamin smashed an unbeaten 27 off just 13 deliveries, including two towering sixes in the final over bowled by James Vince. Sohail Tanvir also chipped in with a lively 17 runs from 11 balls, helping Pakistan add 58 runs in the last five overs alone. This late flourish gave the Pakistan side a total that looked defendable on a pitch reported to be a batsman’s paradise, with a 5% fibre content ensuring minimal surface degradation and true bounce, as noted by pitch analyst Alan Wilkins.
England's bowling attack saw notable performances from Liam Plunkett, who took two wickets for 28 runs, including the prized scalp of Hafeez, and Chris Tremlett, who also claimed two wickets. Stuart Meaker bowled economically, conceding just 25 runs and taking a wicket in his full spell. However, the Pakistan tail wagged effectively, making the target a challenging one despite the home side's bowling efforts.
Chasing 161, England got off to a steady start with openers Alastair Cook and Phil Mustard. Mustard, in particular, was in fine form, striking 58 runs off 51 balls and providing a much-needed anchor for the chase. Cook, however, struggled to find his rhythm and was dismissed early, bowled by Rumman Raees for seven runs. Despite this setback, England maintained a reasonable pace with Mustard and James Vince at the crease.
Vince’s stay was short-lived, as he was clean bowled by Aamer Yamin in the ninth over after scoring just seven runs. Ian Bell then joined Mustard, and the duo forged an important partnership, with Bell showcasing his class through an unbeaten 51 runs off 35 balls. Bell's innings included two fours and a six off Sohail Tanvir in the 18th over, injecting momentum into England's chase.
As the innings progressed, England needed 56 runs from the last five overs, a manageable total on paper but daunting given the quality of Pakistan's bowling attack. The dismissal of Mustard in the 16th over to Tanvir was a crucial turning point, shifting momentum firmly in Pakistan's favor. Eoin Morgan, England's captain, struggled to find boundaries during the crucial final overs, making it difficult for England to close the gap.
The final over was a nail-biting affair, with England requiring 11 runs to win. Ian Bell began positively, hitting a boundary to deep backward point and soon bringing up his fifty. Despite a wide ball and a couple of singles, England could only manage 10 runs in the last over, bowled by Sohail Khan, who held his nerve to seal a dramatic 5-run victory for Pakistan. The England innings concluded at 155 for 3, just short of the target.
The match was a showcase of cricketing legends displaying their enduring skill and competitive spirit. The presence of iconic players such as Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Moeen Ali, and Eoin Morgan added layers of excitement and nostalgia. The tournament also features other cricketing greats like Yuvraj Singh, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and Brett Lee, promising a star-studded competition across four venues including Northampton, Leicester's Grace Road, and Headingley in Leeds.
Fans were treated to a spectacle of classic cricketing moments, including Ian Bell’s spectacular diving catch to dismiss Sharjeel Khan and the impressive death bowling by Sohail Khan and Rumman Raees. The match not only rekindled old rivalries but also highlighted the timeless nature of skill and passion in cricket.
The World Championship of Legends 2025 continues with the remaining group stage matches, featuring the six participating teams in a single round-robin format. England and Pakistan will look to build on their performances as the tournament progresses, with the semifinals and grand final scheduled to be played at Edgbaston, the heart of this prestigious event.
As the cricketing world watches, the WCL 2025 promises to be a thrilling celebration of cricket’s rich history and the enduring legacy of its greatest players, proving once again that true class never fades.
