Archrivals India and Pakistan are set to face off in the final of the World Championship of Legends after winning their respective semi-finals on Friday at Northampton. Pakistan defeated the West Indies by 20 runs, while India triumphed over Australia with a massive 86-run victory. The final is scheduled for Saturday in Birmingham, starting at 9:30 pm IST.
India’s Batting Dominates
Batting first, India’s middle order shone, led by opener Robin Uthappa’s fiery 65 off 35 balls, which included 4 sixes and 6 fours. Despite early setbacks with Ambati Rayudu (14) and Suresh Raina (5) falling cheaply, Uthappa kept the momentum going, forming a 47-run partnership with Yuvraj Singh for the third wicket. Although spinner Xavier Doherty removed Uthappa, India’s aggressive batting continued.
Yuvraj and Yusuf Pathan added 54 runs in just four overs before Yuvraj was bowled out by Peter Siddle for 59 off 28 balls, which included 5 sixes and 4 fours. The Pathan brothers, Yusuf and Irfan, then put on a show, smashing 95 runs in 5.4 overs. Irfan scored 50 off just 19 balls before being dismissed by Siddle in the final over, while Yusuf remained not out with 51 off 23 balls. India’s final total was a massive 254 for 6, despite Siddle’s 4 for 57, while Brett Lee conceded 60 runs in his four wicketless overs.
Australia’s chase faltered early, with Shaun Marsh (2) and Aaron Finch (16) dismissed within the Powerplay. Despite efforts from Tim Paine (40 not out off 32 balls) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (30 off 13 balls), Australia could only manage 168 for 7. Indian bowlers shared the spoils, with Pawan Negi (2 for 35) and Dhawal Kulakarni (2 for 43) leading the attack.
Pakistan Overcomes Top-Order Collapse
Pakistan, batting first, recovered from a top-order collapse thanks to a crucial 79-run stand between captain Younis Khan and opener Kamran Akmal. Sharjeel Khan (0), Sohaib Maqsood (1), and Shoaib Malik (0) fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan at 10 for 3. Akmal’s counter-attacking 46 off 31 balls and Younis’ 65 off 45 balls helped steady the innings. Lower-order contributions from Aamer Yamin (40 not out off 18 balls) and Sohail Tanvir (33 off 17 balls) lifted Pakistan to a total of 198 for 8.
The West Indies’ chase faltered as Dwayne Smith (26), Chris Gayle (22), and Chadwick Walton (19) failed to capitalize on their starts. Sohaib Maqsood (4 for 21) and Wahab Riaz (2 for 35) led Pakistan’s bowling effort, restricting the West Indies to 178 in 19.5 overs.
With both teams showcasing formidable performances, the final between India and Pakistan promises to be an exciting showdown in the World Championship of Legends.
