WCL 2025 Final: South Africa Champions Triumph Over Pakistan Champions

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 final at Edgbaston was a spectacle of cricketing brilliance, with South Africa Champions securing a commanding nine-wicket victory over Pakistan Champions. Led by AB de Villiers’ breathtaking unbeaten 120 off 60 balls, South Africa chased down a target of 196 with 19 balls to spare, clinching their maiden WCL title.

Pakistan Champions, despite a valiant effort anchored by Sharjeel Khan’s explosive 76, couldn’t withstand the South African onslaught. Beyond the glory of the trophy, the financial rewards were significant, with South Africa earning a substantial prize and Pakistan taking home a respectable sum as runners-up.

WCL 2025 Prize Money Breakdown

The financial stakes in the WCL 2025 were notable, reflecting the tournament’s growing stature. Based on reports from credible sources like myKhel and Khelreport, the prize money distribution for the final was as follows:

• South Africa Champions (Winners): USD 200,000 (approximately ₹1.66 crore INR or PKR 5.58 crore)
• Pakistan Champions (Runners-up): USD 100,000 (approximately ₹83 lakh INR or PKR 2.79 crore)

These figures align with expectations set by the previous season’s prize structure, though official confirmation from WCL administrators is pending. Additionally, individual awards, such as the Player of the Season, reportedly carried a prize of around USD 5,000, with Pakistan’s Sharjeel Khan earning the Fan Favourite Legend award for his dynamic batting throughout the tournament.

Pakistan’s Champions Innings

Pakistan Champions, opting to bat first, posted a competitive 195/5. Sharjeel Khan’s aggressive 76 off 44 balls set the tone, supported by partnerships with Mohammad Hafeez (17) and Shoaib Malik (20).

The late flourish came from Umar Amin (36* off 19) and Asif Ali (28 off 15), whose 61-run blitz pushed Pakistan close to the 200-mark. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Hardus Viljoen and Wayne Parnell (two wickets each), kept things tight in the death overs, with Duanne Olivier chipping in with one wicket.

South Africa Champions Chase

South Africa’s response was nothing short of spectacular. AB de Villiers, in vintage form, smashed an unbeaten 120 off 60 balls, including 12 fours and 7 sixes. His third century of the tournament was a masterclass in T20 batting.

After an early loss of Hashim Amla (18) to Saeed Ajmal, de Villiers found a perfect partner in Jean-Paul Duminy, who scored an unbeaten 50 off 28 balls. Their unbroken 145-run stand for the second wicket sealed the chase in just 16.5 overs, leaving Pakistan’s bowlers with no answers.

WCL 2025 Final Key Performers

• AB de Villiers (South Africa): His 120* off 60 balls was the defining performance, earning him the spotlight and contributing to his tournament tally of 431 runs, the highest in WCL 2025. His three centuries set a record for the tournament.
• Jean-Paul Duminy (South Africa): Played a crucial supporting role with 50* off 28 balls, ensuring a smooth chase alongside de Villiers.
• Sharjeel Khan (Pakistan): His 76 off 44 balls was a valiant effort, earning him the Fan Favourite Legend award for his consistent explosiveness.

WCL 2025 Tournament Context

The WCL 2025 featured six teams in a round-robin format, with Pakistan Champions topping the points table, winning four of their five matches, with one game abandoned due to India’s refusal to play.

South Africa Champions were the first to qualify for the playoffs, showcasing their dominance. The final, held on August 2, 2025, at Edgbaston, was a fitting climax to a tournament that celebrated cricketing legends like Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi, and de Villiers.

WCL Pak vs Ind Champions Controversy

The tournament wasn’t without its challenges. India Champions forfeited their semi-final against Pakistan Champions due to strained political relations, allowing Pakistan to advance to the final.

This decision sparked discussions, but Pakistan’s strong performance throughout the tournament, including a 49-run win over West Indies Champions in the other semi-final, underscored their deserving place in the final.

The WCL 2025 final will be etched in cricket history for AB de Villiers’ extraordinary performance, which powered South Africa Champions to their first title. Pakistan Champions, despite their loss, showcased resilience and flair, with Sharjeel Khan’s heroics earning him well-deserved recognition.