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India Champions booked their spot in the semi-finals of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 with a convincing five-wicket win over West Indies Champions on Tuesday at Grace Road.
Chasing a target of 145, India reached the total in just 13.2 overs—well within the 14.1 overs needed to overtake England Champions on net run rate and qualify for the knockouts. The win has now set up a much-anticipated semi-final clash with Pakistan Champions.
Stuart Binny was the star of the match, shining with both bat and ball. First, he delivered a tight spell of 2 for 17, then followed it up with a blistering unbeaten 50 off just 21 balls. His innings included three fours and four towering sixes.
India had a shaky start, losing wickets early and slipping to 52/4 in the eighth over. But Binny steadied the innings with captain Yuvraj Singh, putting on a crucial 66-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Yuvraj scored 21 runs to play his part in the recovery.
Opener Shikhar Dhawan also chipped in with a quick 25 off 18 balls, giving India a solid start to the chase.
For West Indies, Dwayne Bravo and Dwayne Smith picked up two wickets each, while Sheldon Cottrell took one.
Earlier, West Indies Champions posted 144 runs in their 20 overs after being asked to bat first. They were in deep trouble at 43/5 in the ninth over, but Kieron Pollard rescued the innings with a brilliant unbeaten 74 from 43 balls, hitting three boundaries and eight sixes. Smith was the only other batter to reach double figures with a cautious 20.
India’s bowlers were on top in the early overs. Piyush Chawla led the attack with 3 for 18, while Binny and Varun Aaron grabbed two wickets each. Pawan Negi also claimed one.
With this victory, India Champions move to fourth place in the standings and confirm their place in the semi-finals alongside Pakistan, South Africa, and Australia.
