WCL 2025: Top 3 player battles to watch out for in SA vs AUS

Australia Champions will take on South Africa Champions in the 12th match of the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL 2025) in Leeds on July 27, 2025.

Australia’s champions have played two games, winning one and one no result. Australia defeated the West Indies Champions by eight wickets, chasing down 142 runs in 9.3 overs. They now face the South African champions, and a win will move them closer to the semi-finals.

The South Africa Champions lead the WCL 2025 points table after three victories and one defeat in their first four matches. The AB de Villiers-led team has six points in the WCL 2025 and one spot in the tournament’s semi-finals.

Here are the top 3 player battles to watch out for in SA vs AUS in WCL 2025:

1. AB de Villiers vs Brett Lee

AB de Villiers vs Brett Lee will be the battle of the captains of the two sides—South Africa and Australia. This will be the 12th match of the WCL 2025, and both teams have a chance to qualify for the semis, and their captains are in good form.

AB de Villiers has 180 runs in three games for South Africa Champions with a best of 116*, which came against India. His strike rate is 211.76, and he averages 180, having slammed 19 fours and 10 sixes so far in the tournament. Brett Lee, on the other hand, has two wickets in two games. And while he might not have the express pace of his youth, Lee is still wise and skilful under helpful conditions.

2. Chris Lynn vs Aaron Phangiso

Chris Lynn is Australia Champions’ destructive alternative when they face AB de Villiers-led South Africa Champions. Lynn has 81 runs in the only innings he has played, which come in 27 balls. Lynn hit six fours and eight sixes in his knock with a strike rate of 300.

South Africa has the best counter for Lynn in Aaron Phangiso, who captained South Africa against Pakistan recently. Phangiso has been a brilliant bowler for South Africa, bowling with the new ball and having five wickets in three games. His best bowling has been 3/17 and an economy of 5.44.

3. Ben Dunk vs Wayne Parnell

Ben Dunk has been the second-most destructive batter for Australia. He made 30* in just nine balls against the West Indies with a strike rate of 333.33 and hit three sixes and as many fours. Dunk has kept well, but his batting is a huge concern for South Africa.

He will be tested by the left-arm pace Wayne Parnell, who is still active in various T20 leagues and still can bowl at a good pace. Parnell has five wickets in four games with a best of 2/0 and an economy of 7.58. Parnell’s left-arm pace will be a good challenge for left-handed Dunk to hit against, as the Proteas bowler swings the ball in the air both ways.