England Triumphs in the World Championship of Legends, with Ravi Bopara and Ajmal Shahzad Starring for the Champions Team Against the Indian Champions
England Secures Semi-Final Spot, India-Pakistan Semi-Final in Doubt
The World Championship of Legends 2025 semi-finals are set to be a thrilling affair, with four teams vying for a spot in the final. England Champions have already secured their place in the semi-finals, while the other spots will be decided on Tuesday.
In a thrilling match against India Champions, England Champions scored 223 for 3 in 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 110 from Ravi Bopara and a fluent 54 from Ian Bell. The second-wicket partnership between Bell and Bopara ensured a strong recovery for England, with Bell hitting six fours and two sixes, and Bopara smashing eight fours and eight sixes. Ajmal Shahzad claimed four wickets for England Champions, while Pawan Negi was the most expensive bowler, conceding 62 runs in his four-over spell.
However, India Champions could only manage 200/8 in 20 overs, with Yusuf Pathan scoring a fifty for the team. India's bowling attack found it difficult to restrict England's run flow, with Harbhajan Singh being the standout bowler for India, returning figures of 2-18 in 3 overs.
Meanwhile, the semi-final between India Champions and Pakistan Champions is shrouded in controversy. India has yet to win a game in the tournament, and the India Champions players have boycotted playing against Pakistan due to geopolitical tensions following the Pahalgam terror attacks. The boycott has led some sponsors to withdraw support for the India-Pakistan semi-final. The other semi-final between South Africa Champions and Australia Champions is scheduled without reported issues.
The semi-finals are scheduled as follows:
- India vs Pakistan (status uncertain due to India's boycott)
- South Africa vs Australia
The boycott has even led some sponsors to withdraw support for the India-Pakistan semi-final. The other semi-final between South Africa and Australia is scheduled without reported issues. The competing teams for the finals spots are India, Pakistan, South Africa, and Australia, but the India-Pakistan semi-final faces uncertainty due to India's boycott.
The final spot in the six-team event is still up for grabs, with England, India, and West Indies competing for it. The result of the India-West Indies game on Tuesday will determine who will join England in the semi-finals.
With the semi-finals just around the corner, the World Championship of Legends 2025 is set to be an exciting tournament, with the final spots still up for grabs. Stay tuned for more updates!
References: [1] BBC Sport (2025). World Championship of Legends 2025: South Africa, Pakistan, Australia, and India secure semi-final spots. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/58810331 [2] ESPN Cricinfo (2025). World Championship of Legends 2025: India boycott semi-final against Pakistan. [online] Available at: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1269217.html [4] The Guardian (2025). World Championship of Legends 2025: Sponsors withdraw support for India-Pakistan semi-final. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/29/world-championship-of-legends-2025-sponsors-withdraw-support-for-india-pakistan-semi-final
News of a sports event unfolded as England's victory over India secured their place in the World Championship of Legends 2025 semi-finals. Unfortunately, the sports scene is also clouded with controversy as India has boycotted playing against Pakistan in the semi-finals due to geopolitical tensions, casting doubts on the India-Pakistan semi-final match.
