WCL 2025 Finalists Journey: Pakistan & South Africa’s Road to Glory

The World Championship of Legends 2025 saw six iconic teams compete in a round-robin followed by knockout semifinals. At the climax, Pakistan Champions and South Africa Champions emerged as the finalists, both carving memorable paths through tension, drama, and match-winning performances.

League Stage Standings: Dominance Personified

• Pakistan Champions topped the standings with 9 points from 5 matches (4 wins, 1 no-result), net run rate (NRR) of +2.452
   
• South Africa Champions were next with 8 points (4 wins, 1 tie), NRR of +2.595
   
• Australia Champions followed in 3rd place, while defending champions India Champions placed 4th but withdrew from the semi-final
   

This set up the knockout bracket: Pakistan vs India, and South Africa vs Australia in the semis.

Pakistan Champions – The Unbeaten Run & Unexpected Entry

• Pakistan charmed the tournament with undefeated form through group contests, including landmark wins such as a 10-wicket triumph over Australia Champions (Match 14) and victories over South Africa and West Indies.
   
• Their semifinal against India Champions was called off following India’s withdrawal—a decision rooted in political tensions, handing Pakistan a direct entry into the final.
   

Key Contribution: Umar Amin

In the league clash against South Africa Champions, Umar Amin scored a crucial 58, boosting Pakistan to 198/5, a total they defended by 31 runs. Impressive middle-order support included Sohail Tanvir taking vital wickets.

South Africa Champions – Grit, Glory & That Semi-Final Thriller

South Africa edged into the final after a breathtaking 1-run victory over Australia Champions in their semifinal at Edgbaston. Batting first, they posted 186/8, powered by a dynamic 76 from Morne van Wyk and 57 from JJ Smuts, forming a match-defining partnership.

Match-Winning Spells: Wayne Parnell & Duanne Olivier

With the target getting away, Wayne Parnell delivered a nerve-steadying final over, clinching key wickets—including clinching the final run-out with precision. Hardus Viljoen and JP Duminy chipped in with incisive support through the middle overs.

Highlights Round-Up

Stage	Result	Standout Contributors
Group Stage	Pakistan – 4 wins; South Africa – 4 wins, 1 tie	Dominant form from both teams
Semi-final 1	Pakistan walkover (India pulled out)	No match played
Semi-final 2	South Africa beat Australia by 1 run	van Wyk (76), Smuts (57), Parnell
League match	Pakistan beat South Africa by 31 runs	Umar Amin, Tanvir, middle-order

Players Who Made the Difference

Pakistan Champions

• Umar Amin: Anchored key run-chase and earned Player of Match award.
   
• Sohail Tanvir: Picked crucial lower-order wickets in that win.
   
• Pace bowlers continued their campaign consistency across group matches.
   

South Africa Champions

• Morne van Wyk & JJ Smuts: Anchored semifinal with a lethal partnership under pressure.
   
• Wayne Parnell: Held nerves to execute winning over and smooth fielding collaboration.
   
• Support cast: Duanne Olivier’s seam spell and Duminy’s economy in middle overs added balance.
   

Tournament Trends & Context

• Pakistan remained unbeaten until the final, showcasing consistency in batting depth and bowling variety.
   
• South Africa’s journey emphasized resilience and match temperament—crucial factors in the final over fairy-tale.
   
• India Champions’ exit due to internal boycott underscored external factors shaping tournament narratives.
   
• Pakistan and South Africa displayed superior net run rates, crucial in a tightly contested group table.
   

Final Word

The WCL final isn't just a celebration of cricketing legends—it's the culmination of two contrasting paths:

• Pakistan Champions, unbeaten and led into the final amid controversy, with form and momentum on their side.
   
• South Africa Champions, battle-hardened, resilient, and capable under pressure.
   

Expect fireworks, nostalgia, and strategic chess-play when these giants meet at Edgbaston on August 2.