The opening match of the 2025 World Champions League (WCL) between the Pakistan Champions and the England Champions was held in Edgbaston, Birmingham. England won the toss and chose to bowl first, hoping to establish early wickets. However, Pakistan Champions demonstrated an all-around performance, especially with the ball in the death overs of the innings. While the England top order put up strong resistance, Pakistan managed to keep their composure towards the end to pull off victory by a narrow margin of 5 runs. The match went down to the last over, giving a dramatic opening to the WCL 2025 tournament.

Pakistan Champions Innings

Pakistan Champions set a competitive total of 160/9 in their 20 overs. Captain Mohammad Hafeez played an excellent knock of 54 off 34 balls and provided stability for the innings. Aamer Yamin provided a late flourish with a quickfire 27 runs off 13 deliveries. Sohail Tanvir also contributed with a useful 17 off 11 balls to boost the score. However, England's bowlers continued to pick wickets at intervals, with Liam Plunkett (2/28) and Chris Tremlett (2/36) picking up crucial wickets, while Ryan Sidebottom got 1/18 in 3 overs.

England Champions Innings

In pursuit of 161 for victory, the England Champions got off to a steady start but couldn't maintain the momentum when it mattered. Phil Mustard anchored the innings with 58 off 51 balls, while Ian Bell added impetus with a fluent 51 off 35 balls. However, a lack of finishing power in the final overs proved costly for England. Pakistan's bowlers tightened the screws at the death overs. Rumman Raees (1/14), Aamer Yamin (1/27), and Sohail Tanvir (1/41) held their nerve to seal a narrow 5-run win for Pakistan.

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England Champions vs Pakistan Champions: Match Scorecard

Pakistan Champions – 160/9 (20 Overs)

England Champions—155/3 (20 Overs)

EDC vs PNC Match Preview

The World Championship of Legends 2025 will begin with the hosts, England Champions, playing against Pakistan Champions. Last year's season was competitive, and we hope to repeat it this year. The England Champions will look to get off to an excellent start this year after struggling with both the bat and the ball last season. Pakistan Champions had a successful season and will look to make an impact in their first game. Pakistan was unlucky to lose the title last year. They only lost once in the league tournament, and their batting lineup dominated the majority of the games. The players will draw motivation from their triumphs last season and hope to perform well. It will be a difficult game for England's champions, who must regain form after an inconsistent performance last year.

EDC vs PNC Match Details 

England Champions vs Pakistan Champions – 01st Match, World Championship of Legends 2025

Venue: Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham

Date & Time: 18th June 2025 at 09:00 PM IST

Live Streaming: FanCode

EDC vs PNC Venue Stats

EDC vs PNC Pitch Report

The batting situations will be favorable, as seen in previous games. The ball falls onto the bat nicely, and the team batting first would need to give up at least 180 runs.

EDC vs PNC Weather Report

The skies over Birmingham would be cloudy, and rain may fall during the game.  

EDC vs PNC Last Five Matches

EDC vs PNC Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

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EDC vs PNC Probable Playing XIs:

England Champions Probable Playing XIs

Pakistan Champions Probable Playing XIs

Shahid Afridi (c), Kamran Akmal (wk), Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan, Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Misbah-ul-Haq, Aamer Yamin

Topmost Picks for EDC vs PNC Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – England Champions

• Samit Patel – Samit Patel scored 240 runs in 10 matches, at a strike rate of 105.4.
• Ryan Sidebottom–  Ryan Sidebottom took 15 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 7.75.

Top Picks – Pakistan Champions

• Shoaib Malik – Shoaib Malik scored 186 runs in 10 matches, at a strike rate of 121.27.
• Sohaib Maqsood –  Sohaib Maqsood took 8 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 9.17.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for EDC vs PNC Dream11 Team:

Ben McDermott, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Johnson Charles, Sherfane Rutherford, Macalister Wright, Mohammad Nabi(C), Moeen Ali(VC), Fabian Allen, Odean Smith, Billy Stanlake, Dwaine Pretorius, Imran Tahir

Global Super League 2025 EDC vs PNC Match Captain and Vice Captain choice for GL:

Captain – Mohammad Nabi, Macalister Wright

Vice-captain – Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz

EDC vs PNC Probable Winners:

The England Champions must overcome their poor performance last season. The batting lineup defeated the team the year before, and they have improved it for this season. They need the highest order to stand tall and deliver for the team to win. Pakistan Champions have a strong batting line-up and a diverse bowling attack. It will give them a slight advantage in the game. Considering the team combination, Pakistan Champions is expected to win this match.