Pakistan crush Australia to go top in WCL 2025 standings

LEICESTER (Dunya News) - Saeed Ajmal’s record-breaking six-wicket haul and a dominant unbeaten opening stand powered Pakistan Champions to a crushing 10-wicket win over Australia Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 on Tuesday, taking them to the top of the standings.

Chasing a modest 75-run target at Grace Road, Pakistan cruised home in just 7.3 overs without losing a wicket. Sharjeel Khan top-scored with an unbeaten 32 off 23 balls (five fours), while Sohaib Maqsood struck 28 off 26 balls, including four boundaries.

Stand-in skipper Shoaib Malik’s decision to bowl first proved decisive as Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Ajmal, dismantled Australia’s batting lineup for 74 in 11.5 overs.

Australia collapsed early, losing Shaun Marsh (7) and Chris Lynn (6) for just 17 runs in three overs. Ben Dunk (26 off 14) and D’Arcy Short (10) briefly resisted, adding 37 runs, but Ajmal’s magical sixth over turned the game on its head. He removed Dunk and Short in the same over, sparking a dramatic collapse.

The veteran spinner finished with a historic 6/16 in 3.5 overs, the best bowling figures in WCL history, while Imad Wasim chipped in with 2/11. Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan picked up a wicket each.

The emphatic win lifted Pakistan Champions to nine points from five matches, placing them atop the WCL 2025 table, while Australia Champions stayed third with five points. Both sides, along with South Africa Champions, have already sealed their spots in the semi-finals.