South Africa edge thriller to face Pakistan in WCL title clash

South Africa Champions sealed a thrilling one-run victory over Australia Champions in the second semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 at Edgbaston on Thursday, securing their place in the final against Pakistan Champions.

Defending 187, South Africa held their nerve in the final over as Wayne Parnell successfully defended 14 runs, even after being struck for a six on the first ball. Australia ended their innings at 185/7.

Dan Christian fought hard with an unbeaten 49 off 29 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes, but couldn’t take his side over the line. Chris Lynn scored 35, while D’Arcy Short added 33 runs to keep Australia in the chase.

Parnell and Hardus Viljoen led South Africa’s bowling with two wickets each, while Duanne Olivier and Imran Tahir claimed one apiece.

Earlier, South Africa posted a strong total of 186/8 after being asked to bat first. They suffered an early blow when AB de Villiers fell for just six runs in the second over.

JJ Smuts and Morne van Wyk then steadied the innings with a 111-run partnership for the second wicket. Smuts made 57 off 41 balls, hitting eight fours and one six, before being dismissed in the 12th over.

Van Wyk was the top scorer with a quickfire 76 off 35 balls, smashing seven fours and five sixes. However, after his dismissal, South Africa lost four wickets in quick succession, adding just 27 runs in the final four overs.

Peter Siddle starred with the ball for Australia, picking up 4/30. D’Arcy Short took two wickets, while Brett Lee and Dan Christian grabbed one each.

The final between South Africa Champions and Pakistan Champions will be played at Edgbaston on Saturday.