Bye in Semis, Defeated in Final: AB de Villiers Hunts Pakistan to lift the trophy
The World Championship of Legends 2025 came to a thrilling conclusion at Edgbaston, where South Africa Champions crushed Pakistan Champions by nine wickets to lift the trophy. What made the contest even more dramatic was the context — Pakistan reached the final unbeaten, without even playing a semifinal, but their flawless run ended in heartbreak as AB de Villiers produced one of the greatest knocks in franchise cricket history.
Pakistan’s Free Pass to the Final
The road to the final was far from straightforward. India Champions had refused to play their semifinal against Pakistan Champions, citing political tensions and national sentiment after a recent terror attack. The decision meant Pakistan advanced to the summit clash without playing, sparking debates about fairness and sportsmanship.
Yet, Pakistan walked into the final with confidence, boasting an unbeaten record in the tournament. They had topped their group with consistent batting power, led by Sharjeel Khan, and a bowling attack that had troubled most sides. For fans back home, it seemed like destiny was aligning for Pakistan to script history. But cricket, as always, had its twists waiting.
Sharjeel Khan Sets the Tone
Batting first, Pakistan Champions put up a strong total of 195 for 5 in 20 overs. The innings was headlined by Sharjeel Khan, who blasted 76 off just 44 balls, striking nine fours and four sixes. His aggressive strokeplay silenced the South African bowlers early and gave Pakistan the perfect platform.
He found support from Umar Amin, who remained unbeaten on 36 off 19 balls, and Asif Ali, who added a quickfire 28 off 15. The total looked imposing, especially in a high-pressure final. With Pakistan unbeaten so far, many believed South Africa would struggle to chase it down.
De Villiers Turns the Final into His Stage
But the chase unfolded differently. Hashim Amla started briskly with 18 off 14 balls before falling to Saeed Ajmal. That brought AB de Villiers to the crease and from that moment, the match belonged solely to him.
What followed was a batting exhibition. De Villiers smashed 120 runs off just 60 deliveries, laced with 12 fours and 7 sixes, striking at a jaw-dropping 200.00 strike rate. Every corner of the ground witnessed his artistry, the audacious scoops, the powerful drives, and the effortless pulls.
At the other end, Jean-Paul Duminy played the perfect supporting role with an unbeaten 50 off 28 balls, ensuring that the scoreboard kept ticking. Together, the duo stitched a partnership that completely crushed Pakistan’s hopes. The chase ended in just 16.5 overs, with South Africa racing to 197 for 1, sealing the win with ease.
Pakistan’s Unbeaten Run Ends in Heartbreak
For Pakistan Champions, the defeat was painful not just because of the margin, but because it ended what had been a flawless campaign. They had reached the final without losing a single match, only to see their unbeaten run snapped when it mattered most. The shortcut of getting a “bye” into the final turned out to be a curse, as their bowlers were helpless against De Villiers’ relentless assault.
De Villiers’ Tournament of Records
The final wasn’t just a one-off masterclass. De Villiers dominated the entire tournament, finishing as the leading run-scorer:
Matches: 6
Innings: 6
Runs: 431
Hundreds: 3
Highest Score: 123
No other batter came close to matching his consistency and impact. From the group stage to the final, de Villiers stood tall as the ultimate match-winner.
Also read : AB de Villiers Ends Trophy Drought With Blazing 120* As South Africa Rout Pakistan In WCL Final 2025
The Legacy of WCL 2025
The World Championship of Legends had it all, thrilling cricket, iconic rivalries, and even off-field controversies. India’s withdrawal, Pakistan’s unbeaten march, and South Africa’s stunning resurgence shaped a narrative that kept fans hooked.
But above everything, this edition will be remembered for AB de Villiers’ heroics in the final. He didn’t just win South Africa the trophy; he left Pakistan haunted by what could have been. Their unbeaten run ended in the most crushing way possible, and De Villiers’ 120* will remain etched as the defining moment of the tournament.
In the end, the message was clear: shortcuts don’t guarantee glory and in cricket, class always prevails.
Final Scorecard:
Pakistan Champions: 195/5 (Sharjeel Khan 76, Umar Amin 36*)
South Africa Champions: 197/1 in 16.5 overs (AB de Villiers 120*, JP Duminy 50*)
Result: South Africa Champions won by 9 wickets
