Akmal's blazing ton, pacers seal big win for Pakistan in WCL 2025

LEEDS (Dunya News) - Kamran Akmal’s explosive century and a disciplined bowling effort from the pace attack helped Pakistan Champions crush West Indies Champions by 49 runs in the 11th fixture of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 at Headingley on Saturday.

Batting first, Pakistan Champions posted a commanding 200/4 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to a stunning 113 off 62 balls from Akmal. In reply, West Indies Champions could only manage 151/7, falling well short of the target.

Akmal dominated the innings with a flurry of boundaries, hammering 13 fours and 5 sixes, anchoring key partnerships throughout. He first added 65 runs with Sharjeel Khan (21 off 14), followed by a 73-run stand with Sohaib Maqsood (17 off 13), and a 29-run third-wicket partnership with skipper Mohammad Hafeez (23 off 18).

His dismissal in the 17th over by Dwayne Bravo briefly slowed the scoring, but Pakistan had already laid a solid foundation.

West Indies’ chase never quite got going, with none of their batters able to match Akmal’s fireworks. Chadwick Walton top-scored with 42 off 30, while William Perkins and Bravo chipped in with 30 runs each. Ashley Nurse added a late 25.

Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Rumman Raees, ensured there was no comeback. The left-arm pacer was sensational up front, returning figures of 3 for 4 in 3 overs. Aamer Yamin and Sohail Tanvir both bagged two wickets to maintain the pressure throughout the innings.

With this emphatic win, Pakistan Champions climbed to the second position of the WCL 2025 standings with six points from three games, while West Indies Champions remain on two points from two matches, currently sitting fourth on the table.