India Champions secured their place in the semifinals of the World Championship of Legends 2025 with a thrilling five-wicket victory over the West Indies Champions at Grace Road, Leicester, on Tuesday. Needing to chase down the target in 14.1 overs to finish ahead of England Champions on net run rate, India achieved it in just 13.2 overs, thanks to match-winning knocks from Stuart Binny and Yusuf Pathan.
Batting with purpose, Binny remained unbeaten on 50 off just 21 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, while Yusuf Pathan smashed a quickfire 21 off 7 balls, including two sixes and a four. Their fireworks ensured India reached 148/5 with plenty of deliveries to spare.
For West Indies, Dwayne Smith and Dwayne Bravo took two wickets each. Earlier, West Indies posted 144/9, with Kieron Pollard anchoring the innings with a blazing 74 off 43 balls. Among the Indian bowlers, Piyush Chawla shone with 3/18, while Varun Aaron and Binny chipped in with two wickets apiece.
With just three runs required from the final over, Yusuf Pathan launched Bravo’s slower ball over the mid-wicket boundary, sealing not only the victory but also India’s place in the semifinals. The towering six sparked wild celebrations as Pathan sprinted towards the pavilion, overwhelmed with emotion. His destination wasn’t the dugout but the arms of his children, waiting with wide smiles and open arms.
The emotional moment unfolded as Yusuf’s children were invited onto the field. The crowd cheered as the all-rounder lifted them over the advertising boards and hugged them tightly. Joy radiated from the young faces as they celebrated their father’s heroic finish on such a crucial stage.
A father’s promise. A hero’s finish 🫡
— FanCode (@FanCode) July 29, 2025
Yusuf Pathan made it count for his team, and his son 💙#WCL2025 pic.twitter.com/deycS7aplH
In a heartwarming gesture, Yusuf handed over his bat to his younger son, encouraging him to join the team’s victory lap. The moment perfectly captured the spirit of the evening — a memorable win, a proud father, and a celebration made even more special with family by his side.