Australia Champions' John Hastings endured a forgettable outing during Match 14 of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, as his erratic over helped Pakistan Champions cruise to a dominant 10-wicket victory at Grace Road, Leicester, on Tuesday, July 29.
Chasing just 75 runs, Pakistan were already off to a flying start at 55/0 in seven overs when captain Brett Lee handed the ball to Hastings for the eighth over. What followed was a sequence of wayward bowling rarely seen at any level of the game.
The 39-year-old right-arm pacer sent down a staggering 12 wides and one no-ball, needing three overs' worth of deliveries to complete just five legal balls. The over started with five consecutive wides, and though he managed two legal deliveries after that, it was followed by a no-ball, a wide, and another string of five wides to finish the over.
Despite the poor bowling, Pakistan Champions openers Sharjeel Khan (32 off 23)* and Sohaib Maqsood (28 off 26)* stayed composed and capitalized on the freebies, chasing down the target within the same over. They wrapped up the match in just 7.5 overs, extending Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
The victory was as commanding as it was bizarre, with Hastings’ nightmarish over stealing the spotlight and serving as a harsh reminder of the pressure in high-profile tournaments, even for seasoned professionals.
WCL 2025: Sheldon Cottrell's Football Skills Lead To Brilliant Run-Out During SA C Vs WI C Match; Video
West Indies Champions pacer Sheldon Cottrell added a touch of flair and athleticism to the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, pulling off a spectacular run-out using his football skills. The dramatic moment occurred during the final ball of the eighth over in the match against South Africa Champions and has since taken social media by storm.
JP Duminy, who was on strike, played a shot and immediately called for a quick single. Responding with sharp reflexes and presence of mind, Cottrell charged toward the ball and, instead of picking it up traditionally, used his foot to kick it towards the stumps at the striker’s end. The ball struck directly, catching Sarel Erwee short of his crease and leading to his dismissal.
The unconventional and athletic effort by Cottrell drew loud cheers from the crowd and praise from commentators and fans alike. His football-style fielding not only showcased his versatility as an athlete but also added an entertaining twist to the match. The clip of the run-out quickly went viral, with viewers across platforms applauding the ingenuity and skill behind the dismissal.
Cottrell, known for his trademark salute celebration, once again proved he’s not just a bowler with pace but also a game-changer in the field. This moment has added a fresh highlight to an already thrilling WCL 2025 tournament, reminding fans that cricket’s excitement often extends far beyond just bat and ball.
