In a nail-biting final match of the World Championship of Legends on July 13, 2024, between India Champions and Pakistan Champions, India Champions secured a comfortable victory. Chasing Pakistan’s total of 156/6, India put on a stellar show, where Ambati Rayudu scored a quick 50 and Yusuf Pathan also played an explosive knock.

With Yuvraj Singh’s brilliant captaincy, India reached their target, finishing with a score of 159/5 in 19.1 overs, winning the match by 5 wickets with 5 balls in hand as well. Irfan Pathan was on strike in the final over when he hit a four to help India reach the target and win the trophy of the WCL 2024. He straight went to hug the India Champions captain Yuvraj Singh as they beat Pakistan convincingly.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan’s captain, Younis Khan, helped his side to post a decent 156/6 in their allotted 20 overs. India responded well where Ambati Rayudu scored a crucial 50 runs off just 30 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes while opening the chase with Robin Uthappa.

SEE ALSO: ‘It’s coming home’ – Team India to reach New Delhi on Thursday

Ambati Rayudu scores a quick fifty

Their onslaught against the Pakistani bowlers during the powerplay helped India to start well. Rayudu struck Aamer Yameen for a maximum in the first over and a boundary to set the platform. Uthappa also kept attacking in the next over, striking Yameen for two fours as well but he couldn’t score much as the same bowler quickly dismissed him. Arriving in third, Suresh Raina also hit a boundary on his second ball but was caught by Sohail Tanvir soon after, leaving India at 38/2.

Then Ambati Rayudu steadied the ship and added a vital 60-run partnership with Gurkeerat Singh Mann. Reaching his fifty, Rayudu positioned India strongly at 98/2 following 11 overs as well. Pakistan bounced back, though, dismissing Mann (34 off 33) and Rayudu (50 off 30) inside ten balls as well.

However, Yusuf Pathan and Yuvraj Singh added 42 runs as well. While Yuvraj (15* off 22) played the anchor’s role, Pathan’s quickfire 30 off 16 balls put India in a strong position. Meanwhile, Pathan was dismissed in the last over, caught by Shoaib Maqsood for a six, leaving India short of 7 runs to win from the last 10 balls. Then Irfan Pathan sealed the win by striking a boundary on the first ball of the last over as well.

Cricket has always been a sport full of intense moments, but the recent World Championship of Legends (WCL) match between India and the South Africa Champions added an extra layer of drama. Brothers Irfan and Yusuf Pathan found themselves in a heated exchange over a miscommunication that led to Irfan’s run-out. This incident occurred on the first ball of the 19th over when Irfan played a lofted shot off Dale Steyn’s delivery.

The Incident: Irfan Pathan’s run out

It all began with Irfan Pathan facing Dale Steyn. Irfan played a lofted shot that landed safely between two fielders. The shot seemed to promise a chance for a second run. Seeing the opportunity, both Irfan and Yusuf decided to attempt a risky second run. However, a moment of hesitation from Yusuf led to a miscommunication.

See Also: India unlikely to tour to Pakistan for Champions Trophy; tournament to be played in hybrid model: Reports

Yusuf initially agreed to the second run but then hesitated, causing Irfan to be caught in no man’s land. Steyn, ever the sharp fielder, quickly collected the ball and dislodged the bails, resulting in Irfan’s dismissal.

Irfan was visibly frustrated by the run-out and did not hide his displeasure towards Yusuf. This mix-up added pressure on India, which was already struggling in its chase.

Impact on the match

India were chasing a formidable total of 210/8 set by South Africa. The run-out of Irfan Pathan was a significant setback. Despite this, India put up a fight, needing 153 runs to qualify for the semi-finals.

India managed to reach 156/6 in 20 overs, losing the match by 54 runs but securing enough runs to advance to the next stage. This result simultaneously dashed South Africa’s hopes of progressing further in the tournament.

South Africa’s dominant batting performance

Jacques Synman, who had been in fine form, scored a blistering 73 off 43 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. His aggressive batting laid a solid foundation for South Africa.Wicket-keeper Richard Levi complemented Synman with a quickfire 60 off 25 balls, featuring 5 sixes and as many boundaries. Their partnership ensured South Africa posted a challenging total.

India’s bowling comeback

India’s bowlers staged a late comeback during the death overs, managing to restrict the flow of runs. However, the damage had been done earlier, and South Africa’s dominant batting display set a target too steep for India to chase.

Despite the loss, India’s performance were enough to secure a spot in the semi-finals. The team will need to address communication issues and build on their strengths to succeed in the upcoming matches.