India outshine Pakistan

India Champions emerged victorious over the Pakistan Champions, clinching the title by five wickets in the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024 at Edgbaston Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 157, the Men in Blue secured the win in the last over, marking their triumph in the inaugural edition of the tournament.

Ambati Rayudu delivered a match-winning performance with the bat, scoring 50 runs off 30 balls, including five fours and two sixes, at a strike rate of 166.67.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted a total of 156/6. Their innings began with a setback as Sharjeel Khan (9) was dismissed in the second over.

Despite a brief recovery led by Sohaib Maqsood (21), who was later bowled by Vinay Kumar, the Men in Green struggled to maintain momentum.

Kamran Akmal (9) and Younis Khan (7) also fell short of expectations, failing to build on their starts. Shoaib Malik held the innings together with a composed 41 off 36 balls, but the sluggish pitch hindered his acceleration.

Misbah-ul-Haq contributed 18 off 15 balls before being retired out, while Sohail Tanvir’s brisk 19* pushed Pakistan’s total past 150.

India’s Anureet Singh stood out with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets to stifle Pakistan’s batting efforts.

The India Champions’ successful chase and all-around performance secured them the WCL 2024 title, concluding an exciting tournament at Edgbaston.

Yuvraj’s all-time XI

After leading India Champions to victory against Pakistan Champions in the final of the World Championship of Legends on Saturday, Yuvraj Singh revealed his all-time playing XI.

In an interview with TV anchor and social media influencer Shefali Bagga, the left-handed batsman selected a stellar lineup that included Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Adam Gilchrist.

For the top-order, Yuvraj chose batting legends Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli, and Rohit aSharma.

The only Pakistani player to make his list was the iconic left-arm fast bowler Wasim Akram.

Yuvraj’s dream team also featured the versatile AB de Villiers and the exceptional wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist.

Renowned spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan were also included in his lineup. To complete his team, Yuvraj selected the reliable pacemen Glenn McGrath and all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

After the match, Irfan Pathan praised Ambati Rayudu for his exceptional batting performance, scoring 50 runs off 30 balls, which played a crucial role in the team’s victory. The former all-rounder also commended the India Champions’ bowling unit for their remarkable effort in restricting the Pakistan Champions to 156/6.

“Well, look, for today, you have to say that Ambati Rayudu, the way he played, was outstanding, and the way we bowled was outstanding as well. The way Senior Pathan hit those crucial runs was very important. So yes, you know, when you’re playing cricket, being a cricketer as a part-time cricketer, right, when you play that role, it’s tough,” Irfan Pathan said.

And because, you know, some of the players are from Australia, some are from Pakistan, some play PSL, and some play BBL.

So, when you have to compete against them, it’s slightly tough. But, you know, credit goes to Yuvraj Singh as well, because Yuvraj assembled a team, and when he spoke to me, when he spoke to Bhai, when he spoke to each and every player, he told each and every one what exactly needed to be done. And he said, I don’t want your bowling; I want you to hit sixes, and this is your job, but today, give me three overs,” he added.

Yusuf Pathan reflected on the victory, saying, “It feels good but was challenging. We played well in the knockouts, especially against South Africa. Seeing such a supportive crowd was a great feeling.”