WCL 2025: 3 best bowling performances from first season

Yusuf Pathan, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan. (Photo Source – WCL T20 League )

Seeing former greats relive the past and battle with the same fervour and pride was a wonderful throwback for spectators at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024. Even though the audience cheered for spectacular hits and the sixes flew, the bowlers‘ tenacity, cunning, and game-changing spells frequently stole the show.

Bowlers like Nathan Coulter-Nile, Brett Lee, and Wahab Riaz stood out among them as the tournament’s top wicket-takers. The world witnessed some stunning bowling performances from legends of the game, who, despite being past their prime, still had enough in the tank to pack a punch with the ball. There were several amazing bowling displays in the WCL 2024, and as the next season right around the corner, CricTracker looks at three most memorable bowling figures from the season gone by.

3 best bowling performances from WCL 2024

1. Sohail Tanvir — 4/14

Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir wreaked havoc on the West Indies champions in the 4th match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024. Tanvir had a match-winning run of 4 for 14, demolishing the opposition’s top order with his signature left-arm angle and creative variations. He began by dismissing Chris Gayle and Dwayne Smith, who both scored 65, at the top of the order, putting an end to West Indies’ chances of a chase. He then dismissed Kirk Edwards and Jerome Taylor, bringing the Windies’ innings to a close.

Tanvir’s masterful spell had a huge impact on the West Indies innings, throttling their ability to accelerate at the right moment and ending their momentum. His accurate lines and breakthroughs in the early overs stymied the chase, giving his team an easy victory. It was a traditional Tanvir spell: economical, crafty, and game-defining in addition to his trademark wrong-footed bowling action.

2. Sohail Khan — 4/21

Sohail Khan was one of the best pacers produced by Pakistan and is to date popular for his fiery spell against India at the ODI World Cup clash in 2015. However, in this match, Sohail Khan helped Pakistan Champions register a thumping win over West Indies Champions in the first of the two semi-finals of the tournament. Pakistan had batted first and posted 198/8 in 20 overs. Younis Khan top-scored with 65, while Kamran Akmal made 46 and Aamer Yamin made 40*, with 33 runs being contributed by Sohail Tanvir.

With a place in the finals at stake, Pakistan Champions got the perfect performer in Sohail Khan. He started by removing Chris Gayle and Chadwick Walton for cheap. And then returned during the death overs to finish with 4/21 in his four overs. His spell broke the back of a power-packed West Indies batting unit, derailing their momentum early, and helped the side enter the inaugural final.

3. Nathan Coulter-Nile — 3/7

Australia Champions faced off against South Africa Champions in the 5th match of the WCL 2024. Australia raked up 230/5 in 20 overs, with Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh scoring 49 each and Ben Dunk making 47. Ben Cutting powered with 38*, while Tim Paine made 34* in the death overs.

Set a daunting task of 231 to chase; South Africa champions faltered from the top itself, with Brett Lee ruining the top order. But the Proteas still had power in the middle order, but then Nathan Coulter-Nile sprang into action, with 3/7. He dismissed Ashwell Prince, JP Duminy, and Justin Ontong, helping restrict South Africa to 126/9. Coulter-Nile’s spell was a showcase for rapid bowling under duress. His furious speed and disciplined line frightened the opposition, tipping the balance decisively in his team’s favour.

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