Pakistan Champions showcased a dominant performance, defeating Australia Champions by ten wickets in the World Championship of Legends in Leicester. Saeed Ajmal’s outstanding bowling figures of 6 for 16 were key to dismantling Australia’s batting lineup. Further compounding the issues for Australia, John Hastings’ disastrous 18-ball over effectively ended their innings, handing Pakistan a comprehensive victory.
Shoaib Malik’s decision to field first proved successful, though not immediately. Australia struggled to recover from early setbacks, with Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan removing the openers. A combination of Ben Dunk (26) and Callum Ferguson got Australia to 49/2 by the sixth over, but the innings collapsed thereafter. Ajmal’s exceptional bowling and Imad Wasim’s 2 for 11 restricted the Australian batters to low scores.
In response, Pakistan confidently chased down the 75-run target. Openers Sharjeel Khan and Sohaib Maqsood played with composure, rotating the strike and capitalizing on loose balls. Australia’s bowlers failed to threaten, and Pakistan was nearing victory by the eighth over. Hastings’ chaotic over, riddled with wides and no-balls, was a turning point.
Captain Brett Lee’s disappointment was clear. Sharjeel Khan finished unbeaten on 32, and Sohaib Maqsood remained not out on 28, leading Pakistan to victory. Ajmal was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match. This win secured Pakistan Champions’ top position in the group stage and a semi-final match against India Champions, which is now under a cloud because of a potential withdrawal from India.