England vs Pakistan Highlights WCL 2025: Pakistan Hold Nerve to Win Opener by 5 Runs
The World Championship of Legends 2025 kicked off in thrilling fashion as Pakistan Champions edged out England Champions by 5 runs in the tournament opener at Edgbaston on July 18. In what turned out to be a gripping contest full of nostalgia, experience, and skill, Pakistan defended 160 with grit and precision, thanks to a match-winning performance from Mohammad Hafeez and a composed final over by Sohail Khan.
🏟️ Match Summary
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Match: England Champions vs Pakistan Champions
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Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
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Date: 18 July 2025
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Result: Pakistan Champions won by 5 runs
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Player of the Match: Mohammad Hafeez (54 off 34)
📰 First Innings: Hafeez Leads Pakistan to 160/9
Opting to bat first, Pakistan Champions were given a solid foundation by veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, who rolled back the years with a fluent 54 off 34 balls. Hafeez’s knock was laced with classic cover drives and strategic placements that kept the scoreboard ticking despite regular wickets.
While Sharjeel Khan (11) and Kamran Akmal (9) departed cheaply, it was the 44-run stand between Hafeez and Younis Khan (19) that settled the early nerves. England vs Pakistan Highlights WCL 2025
As the innings reached the business end, Aamer Yamin provided a critical late surge, smashing 27 off just 13 balls, including two boundaries and a six in the 18th and 19th overs. Sohail Tanvir (17 off 11) also chipped in, pushing Pakistan past 160. The last five overs yielded a crucial 58 runs. England vs Pakistan Highlights WCL 2025
England Bowling:
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Liam Plunkett: 2/28 (4 overs)
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Chris Tremlett: 2 wickets
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Ajmal Shahzad & Moeen Ali: economical spells
📰 Second Innings: England’s Chase Falls Just Short
England Champions started their chase positively with Phil Mustard playing the anchor role. His 58 off 51 balls, though not explosive, ensured England stayed in the hunt till the final overs.
Ian Bell, coming in at No. 3, added composure and class, remaining unbeaten on 51 off 35 balls, but lacked enough support at the death. England vs Pakistan Highlights WCL 2025
The turning point came when Sohail Tanvir dismissed Mustard in the 16th over. England needed 30 off the final four overs, and despite Bell’s efforts, the scoring rate dipped when Eoin Morgan struggled to find gaps and boundaries. England vs Pakistan Highlights WCL 2025
With 11 required off the final over, Sohail Khan held his nerve brilliantly, conceding just 5 runs and sealing the win for Pakistan. England vs Pakistan Highlights WCL 2025
Pakistan Bowling:
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Rumman Raees: 4-0-14-0 (most economical)
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Sohail Tanvir: 1 crucial wicket
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Sohail Khan: Held his nerve in the final over
⭐ Key Performers
| Player | Team | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Hafeez | Pakistan Champions | 54 (34), Steady innings |
| Aamer Yamin | Pakistan Champions | 27 (13), 2 boundaries, 1 six |
| Phil Mustard | England Champions | 58 (51), top scorer |
| Ian Bell | England Champions | 51* (35), valiant effort |
| Liam Plunkett | England Champions | 2/28, best with the ball |
| Rumman Raees | Pakistan Champions | 4-0-14-0, economical spell |
📊 Scorecard Summary
🏏 Pakistan Champions – 160/9 (20 overs)
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Mohammad Hafeez – 54 (34)
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Aamer Yamin – 27 (13)
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Sohail Tanvir – 17 (11)
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Liam Plunkett – 2/28
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Chris Tremlett – 2 wickets
🏏 England Champions – 155/3 (20 overs)
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Phil Mustard – 58 (51)
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Ian Bell – 51* (35)
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Eoin Morgan – 18* (19)
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Sohail Khan – 0/9 (1 over, 20th)
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Rumman Raees – 0/14 (4 overs)
🗣️ Reactions and Quotes
“We knew we had to bowl smart at the end. Credit to the bowlers, especially Sohail Khan, who executed the final over perfectly,” said Shahid Afridi, captain of Pakistan Champions. England vs Pakistan Highlights WCL 2025
“We had it in control till the 16th over. Losing Mustard was the turning point. Full credit to Pakistan for holding their nerve,” commented Eoin Morgan post-match. England vs Pakistan Highlights WCL 2025
📅 What’s Next?
Pakistan Champions will look to carry momentum into their next game, while England Champions must bounce back quickly with two tough matches ahead in the group stage. England vs Pakistan Highlights WCL 2025
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