India beats arch-rivals Pakistan to win inaugural WCL Legends title

NEW DELHI: The World Championship of Legends (WCL) took place from July 3 to July 13, 2024, at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. This T20 cricket event reunited some of the biggest names in the sport, including Yuvraj Singh, Brett Lee, Kevin Pietersen, Shahid Afridi, and Suresh Raina. Teams from India, Pakistan, Australia, England, the West Indies, and South Africa competed. The India Champions, led by captain Yuvraj Singh, triumphed over their arch-rivals, the Pakistan Champions, captained by Younis Khan.

Founded in 2024, the WCL aimed to revive the excitement of cricket by bringing iconic players back to the pitch. Supported by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and sponsored by Bollywood star Ajay Devgn and EaseMyTrip, the event combined sports with entertainment. EaseMyTrip was the principal sponsor, with additional sponsors from various industries enhancing the fan experience through branded events, merchandising, and promotional activities.

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The WCL was co-founded by entrepreneurs Harshit Tomar and Ajay Devgn, forming a partnership that bridged sports and entertainment, extending the league’s appeal globally. The competition featured a T20 format, known for its fast-paced, high-energy gameplay, and involved a round-robin stage with six teams. The top four teams advanced to the playoffs, culminating in two semi-finals and a final to determine the champion.

In a thrilling finale, the India Champions triumphed over the Pakistan Champions to win the WCL Legends 2024. The final, held at Edgbaston, Birmingham, saw India secure the title with a hard-fought 5-wicket victory.

The Pakistan Champions batted first and posted a total of 156/6 in their 20 overs. Shoaib Malik was the top scorer for Pakistan, contributing a solid 41 runs off 36 balls. Kamran Akmal supported him with a brisk 24 off 19 balls. India’s bowling attack was led by Anureet Singh, who took 3 wickets for 43 runs, and Irfan Pathan, who bowled economically to take 1 wicket for 21 runs.

In response, the India Champions chased down the target, scoring 159/5 in 19.1 overs. Ambati Rayudu played a crucial knock, scoring 50 runs off 30 balls, while Gurkeerat Singh added a valuable 34 off 33 balls. Aamer Yamin was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking 2 wickets for 29 runs, while Shoaib Malik contributed with the ball as well, taking 1 wicket for 17 runs.

Key performances included Ambati Rayudu’s match-winning 50 off 30 balls, Gurkeerat Singh’s stable 34 off 33 balls, and Anureet Singh’s 3 crucial wickets for 43 runs. For Pakistan, Shoaib Malik top-scored with 41 runs and took 1 wicket for 17 runs, while Aamer Yamin bowled economically, taking 2 wickets for 29 runs.

The turning point of the match was Ambati Rayudu’s explosive innings. His aggressive batting in the middle overs shifted the momentum in favour of India, ensuring they stayed ahead in the chase despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

The Indian team celebrated their victory enthusiastically, with captain Yuvraj Singh praising the team’s performance and highlighting the importance of their strategic approach. The Pakistani team, led by Younis Khan, acknowledged the tough competition and congratulated India on their well-deserved win.

The WCL Legends 2024 final was a testament to the enduring talent and competitive spirit of cricket legends. India’s victory added a memorable chapter to the storied rivalry between India and Pakistan, showcasing the thrill and excitement of T20 cricket. Fans of both teams were treated to a spectacular match that will be remembered for years to come.