The England vs Pakistan WCL 2025 started with a bang! This opening match was full of action, drama, and excitement. It was held at Edgbaston, Birmingham, where cricket fans came in big numbers to cheer for their favorite legends. Although these players have retired from international cricket, they showed they still have plenty of skill, passion, and love for the game.
To begin with, Pakistan batted first after England won the toss. Their start wasn’t great as they lost early wickets. At one point, they were struggling at 44 for 3. However, Mohammad Hafeez, the captain, stepped up at the right time. He played a brilliant innings, scoring 54 runs off 34 balls. He hit 8 boundaries and gave Pakistan the stability they needed.
Later, towards the end of the innings, Aamer Yamin added 27 runs not out from just 13 balls, while Sohail Tanvir smashed 17 off 11 balls. Those quick runs allowed Pakistan to wrap up their 20 overs at 160 for 9. Meanwhile, England’s bowlers put in the effort. Liam Plunkett took 2 wickets, and Chris Tremlett also got a couple.
Next, it was England’s turn to chase the target of 161 runs. They started very well. Phil Mustard played with great energy and scored 58 runs from 51 balls. His batting gave England a good start.
At the same time, Ian Bell played smartly and did not get out with 51 runs off 35 balls. The partnership between Mustard and Bell gave England hope. For a while, it looked like they would easily win the match. But as the game entered the final overs, things began to change.
Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Rumman Raees, bowled tight lines. He didn’t take any wickets but gave away only 14 runs in his 4 overs. In the last over, Sohail Khan kept his cool and bowled brilliantly under pressure. As a result, England could only score 155 for 3 in their 20 overs. They lost the match by just 5 runs.
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Top Batter |
| Pakistan | 160/9 (20 overs) | Hafeez – 54 (34) |
| England | 155/3 (20 overs) | Mustard – 58 (51) |
| Result | Pakistan won by 5 runs | |
Key Moments in the Match
- First, Hafeez saved Pakistan with a calm and confident half-century.
- Then, Yamin and Tanvir hit some big shots in the final overs.
- After that, Mustard and Bell gave England a solid platform.
- But in the final overs, Pakistan’s bowlers fought back strongly.
- Finally, Sohail Khan bowled a tight last over to seal the win.
Players Who Impressed
- Mohammad Hafeez – Played knocks just when the team needed them.
- Phil Mustard – Gave the team a fantastic star with his batting.
- Ian Bell – Calm and nearly took England over the line.
- Rumman Raees – managed the run rate during the middle overs.
- Sohail Khan – Bowled an excellent final over under pressure.
This match showed us that cricket legends still have the hunger to win. Both teams played with heart and gave the fans a thrilling experience. Pakistan proved they can handle pressure well. Meanwhile, England played well too, but missed out in the final moments. Even though it was just the first match, it already feels like this tournament will be full of great games.
With this victory, the Pakistan Champions have kicked off the tournament on a high note. Their team looks confident and well-balanced. On the other side, England will be hoping to bounce back in their next match. One thing is sure: fans can look forward to more exciting cricket in the World Championship of Legends 2025.
The England vs Pakistan WCL 2025 match was everything cricket lovers hoped for. It had great batting, clever bowling, and edge-of-the-seat moments. Pakistan won by just 5 runs, but both teams showed true fighting spirit. This match brought back memories of classic rivalries and proved that legends never truly retire; they just keep inspiring.
