In a thrilling second semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, South Africa Champions defeated Australia Champions by a mere 1 run, sealing their seat in the WCL 2025 final. Wayne Parnell won the player of the match award for his brilliant bowling performance, taking 2 wickets at an expense of 33 runs.
South Africa Alters Sights to 186 Runs
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South Africa batted first and gave a challenging total of 186/8 in 20 overs. Even after a wobbly beginning when captain AB de Villiers got out for a mere 6 runs, the middle order rescued the team. JJ Smuts and Morne van Wyk were the key men with half-centuries each to stabilize the innings.
But otherwise than for those two exceptional knocks, South Africa’s batting order was unable to carry the momentum, with Australian bowlers tightening the noose in the death overs.
Australia’s Chase Falls Short by a Run
Australia Champions were fighting hard to cling to victory. Almost every moment of the innings had been at the desired run rate. However, pressure was dropped in the last few overs, and the South African bowlers mounted an incredible comeback, cutting the flow of runs and claiming crucial wickets at key intervals.
Pakistan Qualify for Final Without Playing Semi-Final
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The India-Pakistan semi-final was supposed to be an electrifying match. But Team India pulled out of the match and the tournament itself in outrage at the Pahalgam terror attack, and thus, Pakistan qualified for the final without playing.
AB de Villiers Ready to Dominate WCL 2025 Final
While AB de Villiers failed to fire in the semi-final, his WCL 2025 form has been nothing short of phenomenal. The ex-Proteas skipper has already tallied two centuries in the tournament, proving himself to be one of the most dangerous of all batters.
His capacity to accept any bowling attack makes him South Africa’s largest weapon in the final. If de Villiers enters the decider in good form, Pakistan will be in trouble.
South Africa’s Strength: Balanced Team and Strong Comebacks
The victory against Australia was a reflection of South Africa’s depth and resilience. Although they lost initial wickets and their captain’s quiet stint, the team remained composed. Their bowlers maintained nerves of steel, turning the tables in the last several overs.
This balanced strategy makes South Africa Champions an unbeatable side as they gear up to take on Pakistan for the WCL 2025 championship.
WCL 2025 Final To Be an Epic Showdown
The WCL 2025 final will be played between Pakistan and South Africa. With AB de Villiers leading the South African team from the front, the stage is set for a thrilling finale at Birmingham on August 2.
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