WCL 2025: De Villiers, Phangiso power South Africa to big win over India

South Africa Champions outclassed India Champions by 88 runs (DLS method) in a rain-affected match during the sixth game of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 at the County Cricket Ground, Northampton.

Batting first, South Africa posted a strong total of 206-6 in their 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten knock from AB de Villiers. The former Proteas skipper smashed 61* off just 30 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. Earlier, Hashim Amla scored 22 off 19, while Jacques Rudolph and Sarel Erwee added useful runs to set a solid platform.

India Champions made a comeback in the nineth over, removing both set batters in quick succession. However, De Villiers' explosive batting helped South Africa cross the 200-run mark. For India, Yusuf Pathan and Piyush Chawla took two wickets each.

In reply, India Champions struggled from the start. Chasing 209, they lost four wickets inside the powerplay and never recovered. Wayne Parnell gave South Africa the perfect start by taking two early wickets in a tight spell. Robin Uthappa (2), Shikhar Dhawan (1), Suresh Raina (16), and Ambati Rayudu (0) all fell cheaply, leaving India reeling at 28-4 in 5.3 overs.

Wickets kept falling at regular intervals, and only Stuart Binny showed some resistance with an unbeaten 37 off 39 balls. The rest of the batting lineup failed to contribute, as India were restricted to 111/9 in 18.2 overs while chasing a revised target of 200.

Left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets in his four overs. Imran Tahir and Wayne Parnell grabbed two wickets each to wrap up a dominant win for South Africa.

With this result, South Africa Champions continue their strong run in the WCL 2025, while India Champions suffer a heavy defeat in their title defense.