India and Pakistan began their campaigns in the World Championship of Legends, beating England and Australia, respectively in Birmingham, England on Wednesday, July 3. On the opening day of the T20 league for veteran cricketers in the UK, India and Pakistan made merry.

India Champions, led by Yuvraj Singh, defeated England Champions by 3 wickets. Robin Uthappa was the star of the show with the bat as he hit 50 off 32 in India’s successful chase of 166 in 20 overs. Harbhajan Singh shone with the ball, picking up 2 wickets and conceding just 16 runs. Harbhajan also finished off India’s chase with a six in the end.

Yuvraj Singh won the toss and India Champions opted to bowl after which Dhawal Kulkarni got the big wicket of England Champions captain Kevin Pietersen early for 4.

Ian Bell top-scored for England Champions with 59 off 44 before Samit Patel gave the much-needed impetus to the side, smashing 51 off just 25 balls.

Owais Shah smashed 23 off just 9 balls as England posted 165 for 4 in 20 overs.

Robin Uthappa and Naman Ojha began India’s chase on a high, stitching a 62-run stand in just 40 balls. Suresh Raina chipped in with 16 off 17 balls.

However, it was Gurkeerat Singh Mann (33 off 17) and Irfan Pathan (22 off 15) made sure India got the late acceleration to chase down the target.

BRIEF SCORE: India Champions (166 for 7 in 19 overs) beat England Champions (165 for 4 in 20 overs). Uthappa (50), Gurkeerat (33), Harbhajan (2/16).

Pakistan, on the other hand, chased down 190 in a last-over thriller in their opening game of the league against Australia Champions.

Aaron Finch hit 68 off just 40 balls to help Australia Champions post 189 on the board. Ben Dunk and Callum Ferguson chipped in with 27 and 26, respectively while Nathan Coukter-Nile smashed 25 off 10 balls.

Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi picked up 22 wickets each for Pakistan Champions.

Pakistan lost openers Kamran Akmal and Sharjeel Khan early. However, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq delivered for them before Afridi played a cameo.

Younis hit 63 off 41 while Misbah hit 46 off 30. Afridi hit two boundaries for his 5-ball 11 as Pakistan chased down 190 in 19.4 overs.

BRIEF SCORES: Pakistan Champions (191 for 5 in 19.4 ov) beat Australia Champions (189 for 7 in 20 ov). Younis Khan (63), Misbah-ul-Haq (46); Shoaib Malik (2/24), Shahid Afridi (2/34)

WHAT IS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF LEGENDS

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) is an exciting new global T20 cricket tournament that brings together some of the greatest cricket legends from around the world. Approved by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the tournament features iconic legends such as Aaron Finch, Darren Sammy, Yuvraj Singh, Ian Bell, Misbah Ul Haq, and Dale Steyn, ensuring thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. This prestigious event showcases talents from cricket powerhouses including England, India, Pakistan, Australia, West Indies, and South Africa