IAC VS SAC MATCH 15

Wow, what a ride it's been! We couldn't have asked for a more dramatic and nail-biting conclusion. The league phase of the first-ever World Championship of Legends has just wrapped up, and it has been remarkable, to say the least. The entertainment won’t stop as we're diving headfirst into the knockout stage. Mark your calendars for Friday, July 12th, a day that promises to be unforgettable. We're set for a double serving of cricket excellence with two high-stakes semifinals. The first semifinal clash pits the second-placed Pakistan Champions against the third-placed West Indies Champions, starting at 5:00 PM IST (11:30 AM GMT). Following this, the second semifinal will witness a titanic battle between the fourth-placed India Champions and the table toppers, Australia Champions at 9:00 PM IST (3:30 PM GMT). With four confirmed teams vying for just two spots in the grand finale, the pressure is on and the stakes are high. Who will rise to the occasion and seize their moment? The anticipation is palpable as we await these crucial encounters. Till then, cheers, and take care!

Jacques Kallis, the captain of South Africa Champions says that it is a bitter-sweet feeling. Mentions that it is a great effort from everyone but is a bit disappointed that they could not make it through. Is glad with the way the guys performed and put in a big fight. States that it has been great to catch up with old friends and it has been a delight to be a part of this tournament.

Yuvraj Singh the captain of India Champions says that it didn't go as planned and that it is the worst possible way to qualify for the knockouts. Mentions that the only way ahead is to improve and play the best cricket moving forward. Reckons they gave away a lot of runs in the beginning with the ball. Adds that Harbhajan Singh is his childhood buddy and appreciates him by saying that he doesn't shy away from taking risks.

Jacques Synman wins the Player of the Match award for his incredible effort with the bat. Starts by saying that there was something for the bowler with the new ball, but he is glad with the way he expressed himself against the old ball. Informs that it was very challenging to face Harbhajan Singh when he came into the attack.

Stay tuned for the presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, the South Africa Champions were sent in to bat first. They got off to an excellent start, with Ryan McLaren and Synman aggressively attacking the pace bowlers. Taking advantage of the field restrictions, the opening pair launched a blistering assault, setting a rapid pace for their innings with Snyman being the chief destructor. Levi scored a powerful knock of 76 and helped the Proteas to cross 200. For India, it was Harbhajan Singh who troubled the batters and squeezed them up for runs towards the backend. The Proteas came all guns blazing with the ball and dented the India Champions' batting order. But as they say, it's not over until it's over! Those fabulous fearless knocks from Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan after struggling badly early on, helped India to finish in the fourth spot.

Defending a formidable total of 210, South Africa's primary objective was to strike early and often during the powerplay overs. Their strategy paid off as Vernon Philander made quick work of both Indian openers. The South African bowling attack continued to apply pressure, with Charles Langeveldt and Imran Tahir each claiming a wicket as well. This collective effort put South Africa in a commanding position. Snyman then put an end to a brewing partnership between Raina and Yusuf Pathan, at the right time and pressed India Champions further. But the counterpunch from the Pathan brothers turned things upside down and eventually, it was India Champions who dramatically made it through.

Suresh Raina and Yusuf Pathan then adopted a cautious approach and stitched a partnership. They focused on turning the strike over regularly, maintaining a steady flow of singles and twos. However, the scarcity of boundaries persisted. Raina felt the scoreboard pressure creeping up with every dot ball and tried to up the ante but got out eventually. However, the partnership between the Pathan brothers raised the hopes once again as they counterattacked brilliantly. Both paced their innings smartly and fancied their chances once they were settled. Another dramatic twist came as Irfan Pathan was run out at a very crucial juncture. But unfazed by the heat of it, Yusuf Pathan held onto his end and scored a resilient 50 and eventually sailed India Champions through.

YUSUF PATHAN FINISHES OFF IN STYLE FOR INDIA CHAMPIONS! It all went down to the wire with a lot of twists and turns. India Champions may have lost the game, but they do qualify as the fourth-placed team and will meet Australia Champions in the semifinal. India Champions started their innings promisingly, with Robin Uthappa launching an immediate assault. He blazed his way to a rapid 23 off just 10 balls. However, Uthappa's dismissal proved to be a turning point. His exit sparked a dramatic collapse, as Ojha, Rayudu, and Yuvraj Singh all fell in quick succession, leaving the Indian side suddenly reeling. The boundaries dried up, quite literally. India needed to at least get to 153 runs to secure qualification.

FOUR! India Champions make it through to the semis. It is a short ball, around the hips of Yusuf Pathan. He stays back and pulls it powerfully through square leg. The ball runs through the gap and races away into the boundary.

Who would have though that this would come down to this point? India Champions need 1 to qualify in the final delivery! Can Yusuf Pathan finish off things for India Champions? Let's find out...

BYE! The run-out was on, but Richard Levi puts it wide. It is a slower one, full and outside off. Pawan Negi tries to whip it away but misses. Yusuf Pathan still goes through with the single and makes it through. India Champions need one more run here.

Back of a length, outside off. Negi tries to pull it away but it catches the outside edge. The ball flies towards short fine. Richard Levi with the gloves hares after it, but it lands safely. The batters take two runs. India Champions need 2 more runs.

It's getting tighter than ever now. India Champions are still 4 runs away from the qualification and they have 3 deliveries to do so.

Fuller one, on middle. Pathan whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Yusuf Pathan brings up his half-century but he needs to finish the job for his side here.

Slower one, on a length, outside off. Negi slaps it through mid off for one.

Yusuf Pathan misses out on a freebie here. It is a good-length ball, sliding down leg. Yusuf Pathan pulls it hard but only to find the fielder at deep square leg. They cross for one.

Who bowls the last over? Well, India Champions have lost this game by miles, but guess what, they just need 7 minimum runs to make it to the semis. Can Yusuf Pathan do the needful for India Champions? It will be Rory Kleinveldt to bowl the final over. Don't go anywhere, folks!