Predicting SA-C’s Playing XI for the Final Match against PAK-C in WCL 2025

The final of the World Championship of Legends 2025 is merely hours away, with the South Africa Champions ready to face off against the Pakistan Champions at Edgbaston. SA-C has reached the final after an epic semi-final, winning by just one run from the champions of Australia. They have a lot of confidence and momentum entering this final. Their top-order batsmen have found their rhythm, their middle-order survived pressure in the semi, and the bowling unit was unflappable in the death overs. 

Openers

The ideal balance of power and placement is represented by SA-C’s opening combination of JJ Smuts and AB de Villiers. Smuts rose to the occasion in the semi-final, where he made 57 off 41 balls with four boundaries and a six. He also started SA-C’s innings by laying a strong platform during the power play. 

At the other end is the captain and heart of the team, bringing De Villiers back to make up for his early dismissal in the semi-final. The final total indicated that De Villiers only made 6 runs, but he remains classy. His 360-degree shot-making and pure experience mean that on any good day, no one is surprised if De Villiers is suddenly match-winning. 

Middle Order 

With Sarel Erwee and Morne van Wyk, the middle order has more. In the semi-final against Maronderra, Erwee showed excellent composure, scoring a solid 29 runs off 25 balls, and showcased his experience by rotating the strike and knowing when to go on the attack. He plays this anchor role very well and maintains momentum in the innings after the power play. 

A blistering knock from van Wyk — 76 runs off 35 balls, laced with 7 fours and 5 sixes — left the crowd in awe. His innings were the backbone of SA-C’s total of 186. He can hit the ball explosively and concentrate his hitting in the middle and late overs. These two players formed an excellent partnership and brought stability to the middle order of the innings.

All-Rounders 

Jean-Paul Duminy and Wayne Parnell provide a brilliant balance to the XI. Duminy’s contribution was solid — a swift 14 followed by four economical overs that helped control the run flow. The dual skill of Duminy is invaluable to any T20 team. He controls the game beautifully in the middle overs with clever off-spin and a calm approach. 

Wayne Parnell was incredible with the ball in the semi-final when he took the two big wickets of Shaun Marsh and Chris Lynn, both key Aussie batters, and ended with 4-0-32-2. He only scored 3, but his strength is his new ball spell and his death overs. Duminy and Parnell can win the game either way, with bat or ball, and are, therefore, massively important in the final.

Bowlers 

The South African national team’s strike bowlers, Hardus Viljoen and Duanne Olivier, are both going to be important for South Africa heading into the final. Viljoen starred when it mattered against Australia, dismissing key players D’Arcy Short and Ben Cutting and bowling with good speed and control, ending as 4-0-21-2 and tightening the screws at the end. 

Although used in restrained bursts, Olivier secured the all-important wicket of Ben Dunk and ended up at 2-0-14-1. He’s able to generate bounce and bowl at a serious pace, so he is going to be a naturally dangerous bowler on Edgbaston’s lively surface. Either way, both bowlers will play a pivotal role in SA-C’s plans to contain Pakistan’s aggressive batting lineup.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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