🌟 Semi-Final Drama: Proteas Beat Australia by One Run to Set Up Final vs Pakistan
In a breathtaking World Championship of Legends 2025 semi-final at Edgbaston, South Africa Champions edged Australia Champions by just one run, booking a place in the final against Pakistan Champions on August 2, 2025, in Birmingham. The match featured legendary performances from AB de Villiers, including a dramatic last-ball run-out to clinch victory.
📈 South Africa’s Campaign Build-Up
- South Africa topped the league table with 4 wins out of 5, only losing to Pakistan in the round-robin stage. They accumulated 8 points, demonstrating consistency throughout the tournament.
- Pakistan Champions finished second with 7 points, advancing to the final automatically after India pulled out of their semi-final.
🚨 Match Highlights: SA vs AUS Semi-Final
- Top-order excellence: AB de Villiers smashed a 41-year young knock in semi, dominating Australia briefly.
- Last-ball heroics: SA sealed it with a sensational run-out. Along with a stunning diving catch earlier, De Villiers was central to victory.
- Supporting cast: JJ Smuts, Morne van Wyk, Wayne Parnell and Chris Morris all made significant contributions with bat and ball.
🎯 Final Preview: Pakistan vs South Africa Champions
- The WCL 2025 Final is scheduled for Saturday, August 2 at Edgbaston (3:30 PM GMT / 9 PM IST).
- Pakistan Champions earned their final berth after India forfeited the first semi-final. South Africa advanced via their thriller win.
🔍 Match Report: Pakistan vs South Africa (Match 9 Recap)
- Pakistan posted 198/5 in their innings. Umar Amin (58 off 42) and Shoaib Malik (46)* anchored a solid total. The spin of Imad Wasim and Sohail Tanvir stifled the chase.
- South Africa struggled to 167/9, collapsing mid‑innings. Despite a late charge from Morne van Wyk (44 off 20), they fell 31 runs short. Pakistan bowlers, especially Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Hafeez, applied relentless pressure.
🔑 Key Players & Form
- Superstars: AB de Villiers dominated the semi, and Umar Amin and Shoaib Malik led Pakistan’s batting in match 9.
- Bowling strength: Pakistan’s bowling attack showed depth and discipline. South Africa’s bowlers stepped up in their semi-final.
❓ FAQs — WCL Semi-Final & Final
Q1: Who played in the WCL 2025 Final?
A: South Africa Champions beat Australia by one run in the semi-final and will face Pakistan Champions in the final on August 2 at Edgbaston.Q2: What made the South Africa semi-final performance special?
A: The match featured AB de Villiers’ spectacular innings, his diving catch and winning last-ball run‑out, sealing one of the tournament’s most dramatic finishes.Q3: How did Pakistan qualify for the final?
A: Pakistan topped the points table. Their semi-final against India was scrapped due to India’s boycott, giving Pakistan a straight path to the final.Q4: What was Pakistan’s performance in Match 9?
A: Pakistan posted 198/5, led by Umar Amin and Shoaib Malik, then bowled South Africa out for 167 to secure a 31-run win.Q5: When and where will the final be held?
A: The WCL final is scheduled for August 2, 2025 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, at 09:00 PM IST / 3:30 PM GMT.🔚 Final Thoughts
What an epic turnaround in WCL 2025—South Africa’s edge-of-the-seat win propelled them into a blockbuster final versus Pakistan. AB de Villiers reaffirmed his enduring brilliance with clutch batting and fielding moments. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s consistent performance across matches set the platform for title contention. The Edgbaston final on August 2 promises to be a tournament highlight—and a fitting showdown between two elite legends teams.