In a scintillating finale at Edgbaston, Birmingham, the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 came to a dramatic conclusion with South Africa Champions lifting the coveted title in style. Powered by a vintage AB de Villiers century, South Africa thrashed Pakistan Champions by 9 wickets, chasing down a formidable target with flair, dominance, and class to win the second edition of the tournament.
Pakistan, who had scripted a remarkable journey to the final, were led by an explosive innings from Sharjeel Khan, who hammered 76 runs off just 42 balls, anchoring the team’s total to a competitive 195/5. The innings was peppered with powerful boundaries and towering sixes, and Sharjeel received strong support from Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik, who kept the scoreboard ticking during the middle overs. South Africa’s bowling unit, led by Morne Morkel and Wayne Parnell, did well to contain Pakistan in the final five overs, restricting the total below 200.
However, it was the AB de Villiers show that stole the limelight and hearts of fans around the world. Walking out to bat with visible signs of discomfort due to a recent hamstring strain, the former Proteas captain produced a batting masterclass, reminiscent of his golden days in international cricket. De Villiers smashed a century in just 58 balls, laced with breathtaking strokeplay, including 11 fours and 6 sixes, as he dismantled the Pakistan attack with surgical precision.
De Villiers found an able partner in JP Duminy, who played the perfect foil with a steady yet aggressive unbeaten 62. Together, the duo stitched a record-breaking partnership of over 170 runs, dismantling the Pakistani bowlers who looked bereft of answers. The chase, which had seemed challenging at the halfway mark, turned into a one-sided affair by the 18th over, when de Villiers struck the winning runs, bringing the crowd to its feet in rapturous applause.
This triumph marks South Africa Champions’ first WCL title, and it was made even sweeter by the manner in which it was achieved—through brilliance, resilience, and a never-say-die spirit. AB de Villiers, named Player of the Match and Tournament, proved yet again why he is regarded as one of the most gifted and entertaining cricketers of his generation. His performance, particularly under the strain of injury, was a testament to his enduring greatness.
For Pakistan Champions, it was a heartbreaking end to what had been a fairytale run to the finals. Led ably throughout the tournament by Misbah-ul-Haq and powered by performances from veterans like Mohammad Amir, Shahid Afridi, and Sharjeel Khan, the team won admiration for their spirited campaign.
The WCL 2025 Final will be remembered for the celebration of cricketing legends, the roar of the Edgbaston crowd, and most importantly, the genius of AB de Villiers—reminding the world once again of the magic that legends can conjure.
