Saeed Ajmal produced a vintage performance, taking six wickets to lead Pakistan Champions to a commanding win over Australia Champions in the 14th match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 on Tuesday at Grace Road.
The veteran spinner turned the game on its head with his unplayable variations, picking up 6 wickets for just 16 runs in 3.5 overs. His spell ensured Australia collapsed for a mere 74 runs in 11.5 overs after being asked to bat first.
The damage began early as Pakistan’s pace duo jolted the top order. Sohail Khan removed Shaun Marsh in the second over, followed by Chris Lynn’s dismissal in the third. Australia slipped to 17-2 and never recovered.
Ben Dunk offered brief resistance with a brisk 26 off 14 balls, including two sixes and three fours. But once Dunk fell, the innings unraveled quickly. Ajmal’s introduction marked the start of a collapse that saw Australia lose six wickets in under four overs.
Ajmal dismissed D’Arcy Short for 2, sent Daniel Christian back on the first ball, and followed it up by removing Ben Cutting, Peter Siddle, and Steve O’Keefe in quick succession. The lower order had no answers to his spin, and his last wicket sealed one of the most dominant spells in the tournament.
Pakistan Chase Target Without Losing a Wicket
Chasing a modest 75-run target, Pakistan Champions made light work of the total, reaching the target in just 7.5 overs without losing a single wicket. Openers Sharjeel Khan and Sohaib Maqsood ensured there were no hiccups as they started steadily and then accelerated with ease.
After scoring 17 runs in the first three overs, the duo began to open up, smashing 10 runs each in the fourth and fifth overs. By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan stood at a comfortable 45 without loss.
Sharjeel Khan looked in fine form, hitting crisp boundaries on his way to an unbeaten 26 off 18 deliveries. Sohaib Maqsood supported well, finishing with 19 runs from as many balls.
The chase, though comfortable, ended on an unusual note. In the eighth over, John Hastings bowled 13 wides and one no-ball, gifting Pakistan the remaining runs and sealing a bizarre finish to an otherwise clinical performance.
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Man of the match – Saeed Ajmal ✨ pic.twitter.com/NCqTo5wmFu
— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) July 29, 2025
Pakistan Top Group with Dominant Display
With this emphatic win, Pakistan Champions climbed to the top of the WCL 2025 points table, finishing the group stage with four wins from five matches. Their dominant form has made them one of the favorites heading into the knockout phase.
The victory not only underlined the team’s strength in both bowling and batting but also showcased the depth of experience in the squad. Shoaib Malik’s leadership has provided stability, while players like Saeed Ajmal have delivered match-winning performances.
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Australia, on the other hand, will need to reflect on a disappointing performance. Despite having seasoned players like Brett Lee, Ben Cutting, and Shaun Marsh, the team struggled to find rhythm and composure against a disciplined Pakistani attack.
Ajmal’s six-wicket haul will be remembered as one of the standout spells of the tournament, reminding fans of his prime days. His performance once again highlighted the impact that experience and skill can have in pressure matches.
Playing XIs
Australia Champions: Chris Lynn, Shaun Marsh, D’Arcy Short, Ben Dunk (wk), Daniel Christian, Callum Ferguson, Ben Cutting, Peter Siddle, Brett Lee (c), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Steve O’Keefe
Pakistan Champions: Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal (wk), Fawad Alam, Umar Amin, Asif Ali, Shoaib Malik (c), Imad Wasim, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Saeed Ajmal.
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