India Champions pulled off a crucial five-wicket win over West Indies Champions in their final group game to seal a semi-final spot in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. With this victory, India leapfrogged England on net run rate, with both teams finishing the league stage with three points. Despite a rough start, India’s dominant chase against West Indies proved just enough to stay alive in the tournament.
Semi-Final Showdown in Doubt Amid Political Tensions
India’s semi-final qualification sets up a potentially explosive showdown with table-toppers Pakistan Champions. However, the match’s fate remains uncertain. Earlier in the tournament, India refused to play their scheduled league match against Pakistan in Birmingham, citing the April Pahalgam terror attacks in India. Senior players, including Shikhar Dhawan, publicly withdrew, urging a boycott amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The league-stage clash between India and Pakistan was officially cancelled, with each team receiving one point. Now, with a knockout match at stake, WCL organisers face a dilemma over whether the match will go ahead as planned.
Pakistan, South Africa, and Australia Dominate Table
Pakistan Champions have led the tournament unbeaten, with four wins and one no-result, earning nine points. South Africa Champions, led by AB de Villiers, are second with eight points, losing only to Pakistan. Australia also secured qualification with five points.
India, with just one win and one no-result from five matches, narrowly qualified with a better net run rate than England. Their journey to the semis included three straight losses—to South Africa, Australia, and England—before the crucial win over West Indies reignited their campaign.
WCL 2025 Semi-Finalists Confirmed
- Pakistan Champions
- South Africa Champions
- Australia Champions
- India Champions (qualified on NRR)
| Teams | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Pts | NRR |
| Pakistan Champions (Q) | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 2.494 |
| South Africa Champions (Q) | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2.595 |
| Australia Champions (Q) | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | -1.523 |
| India Champions (Q) | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -0.652 |
| England Champions | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -0.809 |
| West Indies Champions | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2.336 |
Also Read: Next Goal For Cristiano Ronaldo: Score Goals Till He Turns Fifty
