In a nail-biting encounter at Grace Road, India Champions pulled off a thrilling win over West Indies Champions in the 15th fixture of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, securing a semi-final berth where they’ll face long-time rivals Pakistan.
Chasing a target of 145, the defending champions overhauled the total in just 14.1 overs, thanks to a blazing half-century by Stuart Binny and a match-finishing cameo from Yusuf Pathan.
A Tense Start Turns into a Dominant Chase
India Champions began their chase positively but lost Robin Uthappa early for 8 runs. Shikhar Dhawan, looking in fine touch, contributed 25 off 18 balls with two boundaries and as many sixes before falling, leaving India at 36-2 in 4.4 overs.
West Indies tightened their grip with two more quick wickets—Gurkeerat Singh Mann (7) and Suresh Raina (7)—dismissing India to 66-4, and raising hopes of a West Indies comeback.
Binny and Pathan’s Heroics Seal the Deal
With the pressure mounting, Captain Yuvraj Singh joined Stuart Binny for a 66-run partnership that changed the momentum. Yuvraj smashed 21 off 11 before being dismissed, but Binny held his nerve.
Needing 24 off the final 13 balls, Yusuf Pathan entered with intent. The duo took Fidel Edwards apart, scoring 20 runs in a single over, and Pathan finished the match with a towering six on the second ball of the 14th over.
- Stuart Binny: 50* (21 balls) – 4 sixes, 3 fours
- Yusuf Pathan: 21* (7 balls) – 2 sixes, 1 four
Dwayne Bravo and Dwayne Smith picked two wickets each for West Indies.
Pollard’s Lone Battle in a Struggling Innings
Batting first after losing the toss, West Indies Champions posted 144/9 in 20 overs, largely due to a sensational knock from Kieron Pollard, who scored 74 off 43 balls with 8 sixes and 3 fours.
The top order collapsed miserably, with Chris Gayle (9) and Chadwick Walton (0) falling in the same over to Varun Aaron, who finished with 2 wickets. Lendl Simmons (2) and William Perkins also fell early, reducing the side to 32/4 inside 6 overs.
Dwayne Smith (20) and Dwayne Bravo (11) offered minor resistance before Pollard fought a lone battle, helping his team recover from 111/9 to a defendable total.
- Kieron Pollard: 74 (43 balls) – 8 sixes, 3 fours
- Piyush Chawla: 3 wickets
- Stuart Binny & Varun Aaron: 2 wickets each
What’s Next?
With this emphatic victory, India Champions have booked their place in the WCL 2025 Semi-Finals, where they’ll take on Pakistan in a high-voltage clash on Thursday in Birmingham.
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