IND Champions vs. PAK Champions: Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan celebrate title win draped in national flag

India Champions defeated Pakistan Champions in the final of the inaugural World Championship of Legends held in England on Saturday. In what turned out to be a thrilling clash, Irfan Pathan struck the winning boundary with the first ball of the last over, sparking jubilant celebrations in the Indian camp at Edgbaston.

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Along with captain Yuvraj Singh, Irfan celebrated his title win, after which his elder brother Yusuf ran up with the Indian flag and hugged him.

Six teams participated in the tournament, including India, Australia, Pakistan, England, South Africa and the West Indies.

The top four teams qualified for the semi-finals.

Australia topped the first round with four wins and one loss in five matches, followed by Pakistan in second place, while West Indies finished third. India were fourth with two wins and three losses.

In the semi-final, India took on Australia and they reached the final with a commanding victory by 86 runs.

Robin Uthappa (65 off 35), Yuvraj (59 off 28), Yusuf (51 off 23) and Irfan (50 off 19) hit stunning half-centuries to power India to a mammoth 254/6 in 20 overs.

Pawan Negi (2/35) and Dhawal Kulkarni (2/43) then starred with the ball to restrict Australia to 168/7 as India set up a title clash with Pakistan.

Pakistan, led by Younis Khan, opted to bat first in the summit clash and were held to 156/6 in 20 overs. All-rounder Shoaib Malik was the top scorer with 41 off 36, while India’s Anureet Singh was the best bowler, bowling 3/43 from four overs.

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India started the chase well before losing Robin Uthappa in the third over. However, his opening partner Ambati Rayudu hit 50 off 30 as he led a swift revival after Pakistan delivered two quick knocks to Uthappa and Suresh Raina.

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Yusuf Pathan then hit 30 off 16 before Yuvraj (15*) and Irfan (5*) steered India over the line. For his match-winning innings, Rayudu was voted player-of-the-match while Yusuf was adjudged player-of-the-tournament.

India started the chase well before losing Robin Uthappa in the third over. However, his opening partner Ambati Rayudu hit 50 off 30 as he led a swift revival after Pakistan delivered two quick knocks to Uthappa and Suresh Raina.

Yusuf Pathan then hit 30 off 16 before Yuvraj (15*) and Irfan (5*) steered India over the line. For his match-winning innings, Rayudu was voted player-of-the-match while Yusuf was adjudged player-of-the-tournament.