Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian cricket superstar, made headlines after he named his all-time XI on the sidelines of the World Championship of Legends final. Surprisingly, he left out MS Dhoni, one of the most iconic captains in ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Here’s a detailed look at Yuvraj’s picks and the thrilling final match that crowned the India Champions as winners.
Yuvraj Singh’s All-Time XI ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Yuvraj Singh, known for his powerful batting and crucial contributions to Indian cricket, selected a formidable all-time XI. His choices included cricket legends from around the world, showcasing his respect for the game’s greats.
Opening Batters
Yuvraj chose Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting as the openers. Both are celebrated for their extraordinary skills and consistent performances throughout their careers.
Middle Order
Yuvraj slotted Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at No. 3 and No. 4. Both Indian batters have set numerous records and are known for their match-winning abilities.
Lower Middle Order
At No. 5, Yuvraj picked AB de Villiers, known for his versatile batting and innovative shots. He chose Adam Gilchrist, the explosive Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, at No. 6.
All-Rounders and Bowlers ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Yuvraj selected Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan as the spin bowlers, both being legends in their craft. He filled the fast bowler roles with Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram, renowned for their precision and wicket-taking abilities. He picked Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder, at No. 11.
12th Man
When asked to name a special No. 12 player, Yuvraj humorously chose himself, adding a personal touch to his selection.
The Thrilling Final: India Champions vs. Pakistan Champions ICC T20 World Cup 2024
The World Championship of Legends final saw Yuvraj Singh leading India Champions to clinch the title against Pakistan Champions in a nail-biting finish.
Pakistan’s Innings
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, posting a competitive total of 156/6 in 20 overs. Kamran Akmal and Maqsood gave a solid start, but regular wickets hampered their momentum.
Shoaib Malik anchored the innings with a crucial 41 off 36 balls, but other key players like Younis Khan failed to contribute significantly. Late contributions from Sohail Tanvir (19* off 9) helped Pakistan reach a respectable score.
India’s Bowling Performance ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Indian bowlers were impressive, led by Anureet Singh who took three wickets. Vinay Kumar, Pawan Negi, and Irfan Pathan each claimed a wicket, restricting Pakistan’s batting lineup effectively.
India’s Run Chase
Chasing 157, India Champions started aggressively. Despite losing Robin Uthappa early, Ambati Rayudu’s explosive 50 off 30 balls set a strong foundation. Suresh Raina‘s quick departure gave Pakistan hope, but a steady partnership between Rayudu and Gurkeerat Singh Maan (34 off 33) kept India on track.
The Climax
Rayudu and Maan’s departure in quick succession created tension, but Yusuf Pathan’s blistering 30 off 16 balls ensured India stayed ahead. In the penultimate over, Pathan got out, leaving Yuvraj Singh (15*) and Irfan Pathan (5*) to seal the victory. India Champions finished at 159 for 5 in 19.1 overs, winning by five wickets.
Yuvraj Singh’s all-time XI reflects his admiration for cricket legends across generations. The World Championship of Legends final showcased thrilling cricket, with India Champions emerging victorious. Despite controversies and tough competition, the spirit of cricket shone brightly, making it a memorable event for fans worldwide.
