Latest news with #AustraliaChampions
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Brett Lee goes blank, commentators shocked as Australia player leaks 12 wides in WCL, ends game before completing over
A clinical bowling display, followed by a cruising chase, saw Pakistan Champions decimate Australia Champions by ten wickets in Leicester during the World Championship of Legends. Saeed Ajmal led the demolition with a sensational spell of 6/16, before John Hastings endured a nightmarish over that hastened Australia's defeat. Hastings bowled an 18-ball over(X) Shoaib Malik's decision to bowl first rewarded Pakistan, but only after a brief resistance from the Australians. Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan removed the openers early, but Ben Dunk's aggressive 26 and Callum Ferguson's steady hand lifted Australia to 49-2 in the sixth over. Then, in a sudden collapse that spanned just 39 balls, Australia lost eight wickets for a mere 25 runs. The architect of that carnage was Ajmal, who spun a web the Australians couldn't escape from. His doosras and quicker balls found edges, pads, and stumps alike. Imad Wasim offered crucial support with 2/11, and not a single Australian batter beyond Dunk and Ferguson reached double digits. Chasing just 75, Sharjeel Khan and Sohaib Maqsood walked out and batted with intent and clarity. The Australian attack failed to create even a flutter, with both openers rotating strike smartly and dispatching bad balls with ease. By the eighth over, they needed only 20 runs to win. That's when the match descended into farce. John Hastings, brought on late, delivered an over that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. It began with five wides outside Maqsood's off-stump. After a couple of legitimate balls and another no-ball, he changed his angle to left-handed Sharjeel, only to bowl three more wides down leg. A switch in bowling ends did little to help, as the erratic line continued. The over didn't end even after 18 deliveries, but the match did. Brett Lee, the captain of Australia Champions, removed his hat following the end of the game in a reaction of disappointment. Watch: Sharjeel's unbeaten 32 and Maqsood's 28* saw Pakistan romp home with 7.5 overs to spare. But it was Ajmal who stood tallest, rightly named Player of the Match for his devastating spell that broke Australia's spine. With this win, Pakistan Champions finished at the top of the table in the WCL standings. However, they have drawn with India Champions in the first semi-final, igniting concerns over whether the match will take place. India had pulled out of the previous match following outrage from the Indian fans, as well as political and recent military tensions between the two nations after the Pahalgam terror attack.
News18
5 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
John Hastings' 18-Ball Over As Pakistan Champions Rout Australia Champions In WCL
Hastings endured an evening to forget as the medium pacer conceded 12 wides and a no ball in less than an over. Former Australian International John Hastings' abilities with the leather in hand seem to have rusted in recent times with the all-rounder producing an 18-ball over in the WCL fixture between Australia Champions and Pakistan Champions on Tuesday. It took Hastings six attempts to come up with his first legal delivery of the over as he produced five wide balls on the trot before Shoaib Maqsood played one away for a single. Sharjeel Khan, who took strike thanks to the rotation whacked the second ball of the over away for a boundary down the ground, before Hastings gave away a wide and a no ball before a leg bye put Muqsood back on strike. Hastings came up with another wide delivery before picking up a rare dot ball in the over before Muqsood picked up yet another single. Hastings erred again as he delivered five more wide balls on the bounce to ensure that the Pakistani side would clinch a 10-wicket win over the Australian unit on the day. The Australian side, who were put to bat first by Pakistan, were bundled out by the Pakistani bowling attack in 11.5 over for a paltry score of 74 as Ajmal ran riot with his six-wicket-haul. Ben Dunk was Australia's top scorer with 26 runs while the only other double-digit score came from Ferguson. Imad Wasim removed a couple of wickets while Tanvir and Sohail Khan picked up a wicket each. Maqsood and Sharjeel, who opened the chase for Pakistan, remained unbeaten on 28 runs and 32 runs respectively to see the game out without losing a wicket in just 7.5 overs as Hastings endured an evening to forget as the medium pacer conceded 12 wides and a no ball in less than an over. view comments First Published: July 30, 2025, 10:09 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
AB de Villiers smashes back-to-back centuries in WCL 2025; hits 46-ball 123 with 8 sixes
AB de Villiers has still got it. The right-handed batter continues to turn back the clock in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. On Sunday, the 41-year-old, who is one of the main players for South Africa Champions, registered his second century of the tournament as he played a 123-run knock off 46 balls against Australia Champions at Headingley, Leeds. His innings was studded with 15 fours and eight sixes as he batted at a strike rate of 267.39. This was de Villiers' second century on the bounce as he previously went past the three-figure mark against England Champions. AB de Villiers smashes 126 runs off 46 balls against Australia in the World Championship of Legends 2025 match(Screengrab - Fancode) De Villiers didn't spare any Australian bowler as he smashed Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Steve OKeefe, John Hastings, Daniel Christian and D Arcy Short to all parts of the ground. He reserved special treatment for Steve OKeefe as he kept hitting him for sixes. The former South Africa captain brought up his ton in the 13th over of the innings, and he completed the milestone off 39 balls. After completing the century, de Villiers removed his helmet as he soaked in the atmosphere. The fans of the South African champions were on their feet to celebrate the special achievement. Also Read: 'Won't be surprised if he enters IPL auction': AB de Villiers, 41, smashes whirlwind 41-ball century AB de Villiers was eventually dismissed by Peter Siddle in the 14th over. The South Africa Champions captain was involved in a 187-run stand with JJ Smuts for the opening wicket. This effort of de Villiers helped South Africa Champions post 241/6 in the allotted twenty overs. Smuts also played a knock of 85 runs to take the wind out of Australia's sails. For Australia, Peter Siddle returned with three wickets at Headingley. This total of 241/6 proved enough for South Africa as the Proteas registered a comprehensive 95-run win after bundling out Australia for 146 inside 17 overs. For South Africa, Aaron Phangiso returned with four wickets while Imran Tahir took three. de Villiers' carnage in the WCL 2025 The right-hander has been in smashing form in the ongoing T20 competition. He had earlier played unbeaten knocks of 61 and 116 against India Champions and England Champions. de Villiers, who made a name for himself for being a 360-degree batter, continues to show that he's still got it. In the game against India, the Proteas great was involved in a spectacle fielding effort which resulted in a phenomenal catch at the boundary ropes. De Villiers played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is for South Africa, scoring close to 20,000 runs across three formats of the game. He even led the Proteas to the semi-finals of the 2015 World Cup. He announced his international retirement in 2021, leaving fans worldwide shocked.
India Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
AB de Villiers rips apart Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, slams 39-ball hundred in WCL 2025
Legendary South Africa batter AB de Villiers continued his destructive form as he slammed his second century of the World Championship of Legends 2025 (WCL 2025). De Villiers whacked a 39-ball century against Australia Champions on Sunday, July 27 at Headingley, Leeds to help his team post a massive score of 241/6 in 20 got involved in a massive stand with JJ Smuts for the first wicket, adding 187 runs off just 81 balls. De Villiers began his innings with a couple of singles before taking on Brett Lee in the third over as he whacked him for a six and a boundary. He further took on Peter Siddle, smashing him for 16 runs and completed his half century off 22 What Retirement? ABD follows up his 41-ball hundred vs England with a 39-ball hundred vs Australia #WCL2025 #ABdeVilliers FanCode (@FanCode) July 27, 2025advertisementAfter completing his half-century, De Villiers switched gears and clobbered D' Arcy Short for five successive boundaries – 4 fours and a six and brought up his century off 39 balls. He was eventually dismissed for 123 off 46 balls after hitting 15 fours and eight sixes. His opening partner, JJ Smuts also scored a sensational 85 (53) with the help of ten fours and three sixes. For Australia Champions, Peter Siddle finished as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/38 in four overs. Meanwhile, De Villiers earlier also slammed a 41-ball century against England remained unbeaten on 116* off just 51 balls, smashing 15 fours and seven gigantic sixes in his innings to help his team chase down the target of 153 in 12.2 overs. The 41-year-old is the leading run scorer of the tournament so far with 303 runs from four innings at an average of 151.5, having slammed two centuries and one fifty so far. Courtesy of his performance, South Africa Champions are sitting on the second place on the points table with six points from four matches.- EndsTrending Reel
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Watch: AB de Villiers goes beast mode in Leeds, smashes second ton of WCL 2025
AB Devilliers (X) South African cricket legend AB de Villiers showcased his batting prowess by scoring his second century in the World Championship of Legends 2025, hitting a rapid 39-ball hundred against Australia Champions at Headingley, Leeds on Sunday, July 27. His explosive innings of 123 from 46 deliveries, featuring 15 fours and eight sixes, propelled South Africa Champions to post a massive total of 2416 runs in their 20 overs. De Villiers began his innings cautiously with singles before launching his assault in the third over against Brett Lee , connecting for a six and a boundary. He reached his half-century in 22 balls before accelerating further against D'Arcy Short, striking five consecutive boundaries including four fours and a six. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The former South African captain formed a substantial opening partnership with JJ Smuts , as they accumulated 187 runs off 81 balls. Smuts contributed significantly with 85 runs from 53 balls, including ten fours and three sixes, supporting de Villiers' aggressive batting display. Australian bowler Peter Siddle emerged as the most successful bowler for his team, finishing with figures of 338 runs in his four-over spell. The match highlighted the dominance of batting over bowling in this tournament format. This century follows de Villiers' earlier tournament performance where he scored an unbeaten 116 off 51 balls against England Champions. That innings included 15 fours and seven sixes, guiding his team to successfully chase down a target of 153 runs in just 12.2 overs. The 41-year-old de Villiers currently leads the tournament's run-scoring charts with 303 runs from four innings, maintaining an impressive average of 151.5. His consistent performances include two centuries and one fifty in the competition so far. Poll Do you believe AB de Villiers can maintain his form throughout the tournament? Yes No South Africa Champions have benefited from de Villiers' remarkable form, currently holding second position on the points table with six points after playing four matches in the World Championship of Legends 2025. The tournament has showcased de Villiers' enduring batting skills and his ability to dominate bowling attacks, maintaining his reputation as one of cricket's most explosive batsmen even in this legends' format. His aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly have been defining features of both his centuries in the tournament, demonstrating that his batting capabilities remain largely undiminished despite his age. The World Championship of Legends 2025 continues to provide a platform for former international cricketers to display their skills, with de Villiers emerging as one of the tournament's standout performers through his consistent high-scoring performances. Both his centuries in the tournament have come at crucial moments, helping his team maintain a strong position in the competition and entertaining cricket fans with his characteristic aggressive batting style. The tournament format has allowed veteran players like de Villiers to continue showcasing their cricketing abilities, providing spectators with high-quality cricket entertainment featuring some of the sport's most celebrated former international players. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
