Predicting AUS-C’s Playing XI for the 12th Match against SA-C in WCL 2025

The World Championship of Legends 2025 is starting to heat up. And in a hot tournament, the Australian Champions have established themselves as one of the most dominant sides. The Aussie legends are in terrific form after a brilliant eight-wicket victory over the West Indies Champions in their last match—chasing down 143 in a blistering 9.3 overs. The Aussie legends will now face the South African Champions in the 12th Match, at Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds. There is a spot in the final up for grabs, so selecting the right XI will be very important. Who cuts this key fixture? Let’s find out.

Openers

Chris Lynn is a no-brainer at the top. His last outing was nothing short of explosive; it was carnage. Lynn powered 81 runs in just 27 balls with six fours and a staggering eight overhead sixes as he tore the Windies to shreds before being named the Player of the Match. A strike rate of 300 is precisely the start Australia needs in a knockout situation.

D’Arcy Short, whose last match was not as eye-catching as Lynn’s, was an effective partner, making an unseen 18 off 12 balls to finish with the perfect supporting role. Short is an excellent batter when it comes to identifying gaps at the start with powerplay fielding restrictions. Lynn and Short can provide the same aggressive opening stand that completely obliterated the West Indies, and SA-C will know that all too well.

Middle Order

His recent performances justify giving Ben Dunk a go at either the third or fourth spot. He smashed 30 off 9 balls in the last match, including three maximums. He can win matches, and because of his fast scoring, the run rate cannot drop, even if Lynn goes early.

Backing him up should be Shaun Marsh. While Marsh only made 7 against the Windies, he has experience and calmness to a batting order that plays best in chaos. If wickets fall quickly, Marsh is the kind of batter who can bat deeply and slow the rate without the pressure building.

All-Rounders

Stats may not have favoured Dan Christian in the last match, but his seasoned presence, fielding prowess, and ability to stay composed are qualities every team needs. He is an all-rounder with the potential to balance an XI, whether with bat or ball.

Ben Cutting is another potential all-rounder, although last match, he was not used. He can smash sixes late in the innings and bowl at the death if needed. He gives Australia adaptability mid-innings, which is an often-overlooked asset in knockout cricket.

Bowlers

Peter Siddle turned back time against the West Indies, returning figures of 3 for 28 off 4. He challenged the batters by varying his pace, bowling heavy lengths, and generally had the batters searching for answers. Siddle will be integral in Leeds, especially if the pitch has a little grip and bounce.

Nathan Coulter-Nile was equally impressive, producing figures of 2 for 21. He took early wickets and was able to control the middle with discipline. With pace and accuracy, Coulter-Nile is an important component of this Aussie bowling unit.

From Chris Lynn’s fireworks to the dependable hands of Siddle and Coulter-Nile, the Australia Champions are like an engine running perfectly as they head into the 12th Match. With form, depth, and experience, they are well placed to level the South Africa Champions and book a ticket to the final.