Australia Champions Shine in a T20 Thriller with Bat and Ball Brilliance
In a high-octane clash that lived up to its billing, Australia Champions edged past India Champions by 4 wickets with just one ball to spare in the World Championship of Legends 2025. The thrilling contest at the heart of the T20 spectacle saw legends roll back the years, but it was Callum Ferguson’s unbeaten 70 off 38 deliveries that turned the tide in Australia’s favor.
Batting first, India Champions looked dominant from the start. Skipper Shikhar Dhawan was at his vintage best, anchoring the innings with a majestic 91 not out off 60 balls. He found a perfect partner in Yusuf Pathan, who exploded in the latter stages with an electrifying 52 off just 23 balls, smashing boundaries at will and giving India the late flourish they needed.
The duo’s unbroken 100-run stand powered India to 203/4 in 20 overs, a total that looked commanding at the halfway mark. Robin Uthappa also played a handy cameo of 37 off 21, giving India early momentum.
Despite a poor day with the ball for some of the Aussie bowlers—Brett Lee conceding 57 runs in his four overs—the likes of Dan Christian (2/34) and D’Arcy Short (1/7 in 1 over) managed to pick timely wickets and contain the damage.(Australia Champions)
Australia Champions started their chase in explosive fashion, with Chris Lynn smashing a rapid 25 off just 10 balls, setting the early tempo with aggressive strokeplay. However, the Indian bowlers soon regained control. Veteran spinner Piyush Chawla turned the tide with a crafty spell, taking 3 wickets for 36 runs, cleverly deceiving the batters with flight and variation. Harbhajan Singh, showcasing his vintage class, supported brilliantly with an economical and impactful spell of 2/33 in his full quota of 4 overs. The duo’s combined efforts put the brakes on Australia’s momentum, shifting the pressure back onto the chasing side. Despite the fiery start, India’s spinners ensured the chase wasn’t as straightforward as it initially seemed.
With the match in balance, it was Callum Ferguson who stood tall. His calm yet aggressive approach under pressure was a masterclass in T20 finishing. He built his innings patiently, found gaps, rotated the strike, and unleashed big hits when needed. Ferguson was well-supported by Dan Christian, who contributed 39 off 28 before falling to Chawla.(Australia Champions)
Needing 6 runs off the final over, the pressure was palpable. But Ferguson, composed and clinical, ensured the Aussies got over the line with one ball to spare, securing a famous win and earning himself the Player of the Match award.
This result propels Australia Champions further up the points table, strengthening their position in the tournament. On the other hand, India Champions will be disappointed, especially for not capitalizing during the crucial death overs with the ball. Missed opportunities and inconsistent bowling at the backend cost them dearly. However, there are silver linings for the Indian side. The form of key players like Shikhar Dhawan and Yusuf Pathan remains a major positive, offering hope and stability for the upcoming matches. If they can fine-tune their bowling strategies, India Champions still have a strong chance to bounce back in the tournament.
Fans at the stadium and those watching across the globe witnessed a thrilling spectacle as Australia Champions delivered a game worthy of T20 folklore. The match had everything fans could hope for—explosive batting, gripping twists, and high-octane drama. Chris Lynn’s fiery start lit up the chase, setting an aggressive tone, but India Champions fought back valiantly through their spinners, especially Piyush Chawla and Harbhajan Singh, who brought the game back from the brink. The momentum swung like a pendulum, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. . For fans, it was an emotional rollercoaster—one of those rare matches that celebrates the unpredictability and excitement of T20 cricket at its finest.