Last-Ball Drama: South Africa Book WCL Final Spot After 1-Run Win
In a nerve-wracking semi-final at Edgbaston, Birmingham, the South Africa Champions held their nerve to secure a one-run victory over the Australia Champions, sealing their place in the World Championship of Legends WCL 2025 final.
Chasing 187, the Aussies fell agonizingly short at 185/7, despite a valiant 49* from Dan Christian. The Proteas will now face Pakistan Champions in a high-voltage final on Saturday, 2nd August at 9 PM IST (3:30 PM GMT).
Match Summary
South Africa Champions: 186/8 (20)
- Morné van Wyk – 76 (35)
- JJ Smuts – 57 (41)
- JP Duminy – 14 (15)
- Peter Siddle – 4/30 (4)
- D’Arcy Short – 2/32 (4)
Australia Champions: 185/7 (20)
- Dan Christian – 49* (29)
- Chris Lynn – 35 (20)
- D’Arcy Short – 33 (29)
- Wayne Parnell – 2/33 (4)
- Hardus Viljoen – 2/41 (4)
Player of the Match: Wayne Parnell (2/33 & 3 off 3)
Post-Match Reactions
Wayne Parnell, the Player of the Match, said this was the kind of moment he had lived for in his entire career. He praised the Aussie batters for their fighting spirit and shared that the plan with AB de Villiers before the final over was all about keeping boundaries in check.
AB de Villiers, skipper of South Africa Champions, expressed joy over finally winning a big knockout against Australia. He called it a “resilient effort” and praised his bowlers for holding their nerves. He humorously mentioned his hamstring while bowling the final over and gave full credit to the Aussies for making it a nail-biter.
Brett Lee, leading the Australian side, said his team gave it everything till the last delivery. He confirmed that it was his final professional game, thanking the fans and organizers before signing off.
What Happened in the Game
South Africa, powered by a rapid 111-run stand between Morné van Wyk and JJ Smuts, looked set to breach 200. However, a collapse in the death overs restricted them to 186. Peter Siddle led the Aussie comeback with a brilliant 4-wicket spell, including 3 wickets in the last over.
In reply, Australia got good starts from Chris Lynn and D’Arcy Short, but lost momentum in the middle overs. Dan Christian’s late surge kept them alive, but they ultimately fell just one run short, thanks to some tight bowling from Parnell, Viljoen, and Duminy.
The WCL Final Awaits
With this win, South Africa Champions reach the WCL 2025 final, setting up a cracking title clash against Pakistan Champions — a team that’s been consistent throughout the tournament.
Also read this : https://cric92.com/blogs/india-pulls-out-of-semi-final-pakistan-marches-into-wcl-final/