In a nail-biting finish, South Africa Champions defeated Australia Champions by just one run in the second semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on July 31. The high-pressure clash went down to the final ball, where South Africa held their nerves to book a spot in the final.
Chasing a target of 187, Australia Champions came heartbreakingly close but fell just short. Dan Christian kept their hopes alive with an unbeaten 49 off 29 balls. Chris Lynn (35) and D’Arcy Short (33) also made valuable contributions, but South Africa’s bowlers showed composure in the death overs. Australia needed three runs off the final delivery, but could manage only one as Nathan Coulter-Nile was run out, sealing a thrilling win for South Africa.
Wayne Parnell was named Player of the Match for his impressive bowling performance, taking 2/33. Hardus Viljoen also picked up two crucial wickets that shifted momentum in South Africa’s favour.
Earlier, South Africa Champions posted a competitive total of 186/8 in their 20 overs. Morne van Wyk starred with a sensational 76 off just 35 balls, hitting seven fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 217.14. JJ Smuts gave the team a solid start with his 57 off 41 deliveries.
However, AB de Villiers couldn’t get going and was dismissed for just six. Australia fought back in the death overs, led by Peter Siddle, who took three wickets in the final over and ended with figures of 4/30. D’Arcy Short chipped in with two wickets, while Brett Lee and Daniel Christian picked up one each.
With this thrilling win, South Africa Champions sealed their place in the WCL 2025 final, where they will face Pakistan Champions on August 2, again in Birmingham.
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