Pakistan Champions Set 161 for England in WCL 2025 Opener
Mohammad Hafeez leads from the front as Pakistan Champions post 160/9 in the first innings of the WCL 2025 opener at Edgbaston. England Champions now need 161 runs to win in what’s shaping up to be a thrilling chase. For complete coverage, check Pakistan defeated England Champions.
🧿 Toss & Team Lineups
- Toss: England Champions won the toss and chose to field.
- Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
- Pitch: Dry and true surface with decent bounce—ideal for stroke play.
Pakistan Champions XI
Mohammad Hafeez (c), Kamran Akmal (wk), Sharjeel Khan, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Umar Amin, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Khan, Rumman Raees, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz
Impact Sub: Sohaib Maqsood (replaced Kamran Akmal during innings)
England Champions XI
Eoin Morgan (c), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, James Vince, Phil Mustard (wk), Dimitri Mascarenhas, Chris Tremlett, Liam Plunkett, Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Meaker, Tim Ambrose
🏏 First Innings Summary
Pakistan had a stuttering start after being put in to bat, losing early wickets inside the powerplay. However, Mohammad Hafeez’s brilliant 54 off 34 balls held the innings together.
Late cameos from Aamer Yamin (27 off 13)* and Sohail Tanvir (17 off 11) pushed the total to a fighting 160.
📋 Pakistan Champions Batting Scorecard
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamran Akmal | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 40.0 |
| Sharjeel Khan | 17 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 141.7 |
| Mohammad Hafeez | 54 | 34 | 6 | 1 | 158.8 |
| Umar Amin | 12 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 120.0 |
| Shoaib Malik | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Asif Ali | 9 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 128.6 |
| Aamer Yamin | 27* | 13 | 2 | 2 | 207.7 |
| Sohail Tanvir | 17 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 154.5 |
| Rumman Raees | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100.0 |
| Wahab Riaz | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.0 |
| Sohail Khan | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.0 |
| Extras | 15 | ||||
| Total | 160/9 | 20.0 |
🎯 England Champions Bowling Scorecard
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liam Plunkett | 4.0 | 28 | 2 | 7.00 |
| Ryan Sidebottom | 4.0 | 26 | 1 | 6.50 |
| Stuart Meaker | 4.0 | 34 | 1 | 8.50 |
| Chris Tremlett | 4.0 | 36 | 2 | 9.00 |
| Dimi Mascarenhas | 3.0 | 21 | 1 | 7.00 |
| James Vince | 1.0 | 12 | 1 | 12.0 |
🌟 Key Highlights
- Hafeez’s Captain’s Knock: 54 off 34 – anchored the innings beautifully.
- Yamin & Tanvir’s Finish: 44 runs in last 3 overs gave Pakistan momentum.
- Fielding Flashbacks: Ian Bell took a brilliant diving catch; Morgan’s tactics paid off early.
- Plunkett’s Breakthroughs: Best figures for England with 2 key wickets.
🧠 Impact Player Strategy
- Pakistan: Used Sohaib Maqsood (replacing Kamran Akmal) – scored 2 runs.
- England: Yet to use an impact substitute – may opt for Moeen Ali or Ravi Bopara in the chase.
🔥 What’s Next?
England Champions now need 161 runs in 20 overs to start their WCL campaign with a win. With heavyweights like Morgan, Cook, Bell, and Vince in the lineup, the chase promises fireworks.
But can Wahab Riaz and Hafeez’s bowling unit defend this total under lights?
Stay tuned for the second innings. We’ll bring you full coverage of how this classic unfolds at Edgbaston!