Yusuf Pathan turned back the clock with a vintage performance as India Champions defeated West Indies Champions by five wickets in their final group match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) at Grace Road on Wednesday. Chasing 145 for victory, Pathan remained unbeaten on 21 and fittingly finished the game with a towering six, before celebrating the win with a heartwarming dash toward his children in the stands.
The victory secured India’s place in the semi-finals, where they will lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan. The other semi-final will feature Australia and South Africa in what promises to be another exciting contest.
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Opting to field first after winning the toss, India’s bowlers kept the Windies in check, restricting them to 144/9 in their 20 overs. Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was the pick of the bowlers, bagging three wickets. Varun Aaron and Stuart Binny chipped in with two wickets each, while Pawan Negi also got into the wickets column.
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Despite the bowling pressure, Kieron Pollard stood tall for West Indies with a blistering 74* off 39 balls, while Dwayne Smith added a handy 20. India’s chase was brisk and clinical. Although they lost Robin Uthappa early to Sheldon Cottrell for 8, Shikhar Dhawan (25 off 18) and Yuvraj Singh (21) kept the momentum steady.
Smith struck twice with the ball, removing Dhawan and Gurkeerat Singh Mann (7), while Dwayne Bravo dismissed Suresh Raina (7) and Yuvraj to dent India’s progress momentarily.
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But Stuart Binny played the anchor’s role to perfection, scoring a composed unbeaten 50, while Yusuf Pathan’s late flourish ensured India wrapped up the game in just 13.2 overs with 40 balls to spare. The experienced duo’s unbroken partnership not only sealed the victory but also sent a strong message ahead of the high-stakes semi-final.
