South Africa Champions booked their place in the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 after a nail-biting one-run win over Australia Champions in the second semi-final held on Thursday.
The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish. South Africa posted a competitive total of 186/8 after being asked to bat first. Their innings started shakily when star batter AB de Villiers was dismissed for just six runs in the second over. But JJ Smuts and Morne van Wyk steadied the ship with a solid 111-run partnership for the second wicket.
Smuts played a steady knock of 57 runs off 41 balls, hitting eight boundaries and one six. Van Wyk was the standout performer, smashing 76 runs off just 35 balls. His innings included seven fours and five sixes. However, after his dismissal, South Africa lost momentum. They managed only 27 runs in the last four overs and lost four wickets in quick succession.
Australia’s bowlers fought back well. Peter Siddle was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 30 runs. D’Arcy Short grabbed two wickets, while Brett Lee and Dan Christian took one each.
In reply, Australia Champions came close but fell just short. They ended their innings at 185/7, losing by a single run. Dan Christian kept Australia in the hunt with a fighting unbeaten 49 off 29 balls. He hit three fours and three sixes. Chris Lynn added 35 runs, and D’Arcy Short contributed 33.
The final over was full of drama. Australia needed 14 runs to win. Wayne Parnell bowled the last over for South Africa. He was hit for a six on the first ball, but held his nerve and defended the remaining runs. Parnell finished with two wickets, while Hardus Viljoen also took two. Duanne Olivier and Imran Tahir chipped in with one wicket each.
This thrilling win means South Africa will now face Pakistan Champions in the WCL 2025 final on Saturday, August 2, at Edgbaston.
Pakistan reached the final after their last match against India Champions was called off due to rain. Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan had defeated South Africa by 31 runs in a group stage match. In that game, Umar Amin scored 58 and Shoaib Malik remained unbeaten on 46. Pakistan posted 198/5 and restricted South Africa to 167/9.
The final promises to be a high-voltage clash between two strong sides. South Africa will rely on their experienced players like AB de Villiers, Morne van Wyk, and Imran Tahir. Pakistan will look to Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, and Umar Amin to deliver once again.
Fans around the world are eagerly waiting for the showdown. The match will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website in India.
Stay tuned for what promises to be a legendary final!
Muhammad Ali is a passionate automotive writer with 7+ years of experience in two-wheeler reviews and industry trends. At HealthInsureZone.xyz, he delivers honest, hands-on insights to help readers make smart vehicle choices.