Live Streaming:
MATCH OVERVIEW:
The World Championship of Legends 2025 has now reached its business end, the playoffs, and with every match, the stakes are soaring. All eyes will turn to Edgbaston in Birmingham, where two of the tournament's most entertaining sides, Australia Champions and South Africa Champions, face off in the second semi-final. After a thrilling league phase filled with powerful batting displays, vintage performances, and nostalgic excitement, only one of these two sides will move forward for a shot at the title.
While both teams have shown glimpses of brilliance, South Africa enter as slight favourites based on consistency and recent form. These two sides last met just a couple of days ago in Leeds, and it was nothing short of a cricketing spectacle, or a one-sided demolition, depending on where your loyalties lie. South Africa posted a mammoth 241/6, thanks to a thunderous 123 off 46 balls by the evergreen AB de Villiers, and a classy 85 from JJ Smuts. In reply, Australia's chase never really took flight. They crumbled under scoreboard pressure and were bowled out for just 146, losing the match by a staggering 95 runs. Imran Tahir spun webs with a three-wicket haul, while Aaron Phangiso cleaned up the tail. The psychological edge lies firmly with South Africa, having already humbled their semi-final opponents once in this tournament. For Australia Champions, it's been a bumpy road to the semis. Their last match against Pakistan Champions turned into a nightmare, skittled out for just 74 in under 12 overs, with Saeed Ajmal ripping through their middle-lower order with a magical 6 for 16. They lost by 10 wickets and looked completely shaken.
The side will now rely heavily on Ben Cutting down the order, who blasted a fighting 59 in the previous match against South Africa, and Callum Ferguson, who has shown promise with the bat. But the team's core, including Chris Lynn, Shaun Marsh, and Dan Christian, must step up. Their bowling unit, led by Peter Siddle, has lacked penetration lately, and the legendary Brett Lee has wickets to his name, but he hasn't looked in his best rhythm. It's do-or-die now, so experience must rise to the occasion. South Africa Champions, meanwhile, have looked like a team on a mission. They've won four out of five games, and AB de Villiers' magic has defined their campaign. With 303 runs in just four innings, including two centuries, ABD has been unstoppable. His fearless strokeplay and unmatched strike rate of over 231 have carried the side through tough moments. JJ Smuts has complemented him well at the top, and JP Duminy has chipped in with useful cameos. With the ball, Aaron Phangiso and Imran Tahir have been key, picking up 16 wickets between them with good economy. Their only loss came against Pakistan, but it was more a hiccup than a derailment. South Africa will know that they are in a prime position to reach the final if they just hold their nerve.
As for the conditions in Birmingham, it is expected to have some grip and turn on offer as the game progresses. Expect the spinners to come into play during the middle overs. The forecast looks clear, and we should have a full game without weather interruptions. All signs point towards a cracking contest between power-packed batters and wily veterans with the ball. One last push, one last game to make it to the big final. Who will come out on top? Let's find out soon!
Pitch Report
The pitch in Edgbaston, Birmingham, offers a balanced pitch, providing assistance to spinners and pacers. However, under lights, batting first could be a big advantage for the teams. The weather is likely to remain clear, and hence, the captain winning the toss is likely to command the opposition to bowl first at this historic venue.
.jpg)
0 Comments