Sharjeel Khan Shines with 76 in Pakistan Champions’ Innings

BIRMINGHAM: Sharjeel Khan’s explosive half-century propelled Pakistan Champions to a commanding total in their World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 final clash against South Africa Champions at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Mohammad Hafeez, the Pakistan captain, elected to bat first, a decision that paid off as his team’s batting lineup amassed 195/5 in their 20 overs.

However, the Green Shirts faced an initial setback, losing opener Kamran Akmal (two) in the third over with only 14 runs on the scoreboard.

Following this early loss, Hafeez joined Sharjeel, and the pair contributed 40 runs for the second wicket before Hafeez was dismissed by Wayne Parnell in the sixth over, scoring 17 off 10 balls.

Sharjeel then forged a dominant 72-run partnership for the third wicket with Shoaib Malik until Hardus Viljoen trapped Sharjeel lbw in the 14th over.

The left-handed Sharjeel remained the highest scorer for Pakistan Champions, scoring 76 runs off 44 balls, including nine boundaries and four sixes.

Malik departed in the following over, with Parnell ending his slow innings of 20 runs from 25 balls.

These quick wickets reduced Pakistan Champions to 132/4 in 14.3 overs, bringing Umar Amin and Asif Ali to the crease.

The duo managed to regain momentum, adding a crucial 61-run partnership that ended with Asif’s dismissal on the fourth ball of the final over. He scored 28 off 15 balls, with one four and two sixes.

Amin, the primary aggressor in this vital stand, remained unbeaten with 36 off 19 deliveries, hitting three fours and three sixes.

For South Africa Champions, Viljoen and Parnell each claimed two wickets, while Duanne Olivier secured one.