'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQF/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgX/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAN6sc3//xAAfEAACAAYDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABBAACAwUREgY1UZP/2gAIAQEAAT8AeW5Ws6qtUvrIkyNpqb1UnXPhEGS7Z7x76GP/xAAXEQEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAAQR/9oACAECAQE/AKzTGqf/xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAxEA/9oACAEDAQE/AGtIZN//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
One of the biggest spectacles in world cricket is an India-Pakistan match and the two Asian giants fighting off in a tournament final is the stuff of dreams and cherry on the top. We haven't seen too many international finals between the two sides but the atmosphere has been something to behold whenever they have competed against each other.
It's time for another India-Pakistan final, albeit between the cricketers from the yester years. The India Champions set up the final date with their arch-rivals after a resounding victory against the Australia Champions in the second semi-final. The Pakistan Champions has looked the best side in the competition and despite being test against the West Indies champions in the semis, they will start the big match as the favourites.
The inaugural edition of the World Championship of Legends has attracted a lot of attention among fans and there is no better way to round the tournament off with an India-Pakistan final. Both sides have some incredible players from the past who has represented their respective nations at the highest capacity.
With the final slated to be played in Birmingham from a short while from now, let us have a look at five players who could define the India-Pakistan WCL final.
#1 Yuvraj Singh
Arguably the most stylish batter to have ever graced the game, Yuvraj Singh will be one of the most important players for the India Champions if they are to win the inaugural edition of the WCL. Yuvraj knows a thing or two about big matches and he showed his worth with the bat during the semi-final against Australia.
Having struggled for the majority of the tournament, Yuvraj unleashed his full range of shots against Australia and rolled back the years with his scintillating hitting. It's never easy for a cricketer who hasn't played for so many years to come and get into the groove.
Yuvraj took some time but when it mattered, the stylish southpaw delivered.
#2 Harbhajan Singh
Another stalwart of Indian cricket, Harbhajan Singh could still have easily played franchise cricket with the way he has bowled in the tournament so far. He varied his pace and spun the ball to deceive the batters. He has weaved his magic all through the tournament and the India Champions would be hoping that he could step up to the plate on the big day.
He is the second-highest wicket-taker in the competition so far with eight scalps behind his name. The ball is coming out of the hand nicely and the revolutions on the deliveries suggest that Harbhajan still has the class and confidence in his abilities.
Given his reputation of performing in big matches, he could certainly be a game-changer for the India Champions.
#3 Yusuf Pathan
Another explosive striker of the ball, Yusuf Pathan holds the key to India’s success in the final. He has been one of the most consistent performers for the India Champions, having scored in most of the matches. He is someone who can take the game away from any opposition within a blink of an eye and he has proved that on more than one occasion.
He has scored 191 runs in 6 matches so far at an exceptional average of 63.67. Despite the India Champions losing their way during the latter half of the group stage, Yusuf kept churning out runs and seemed to be the lone warrior who helped them eventually scrape through to the semis.
Yusuf has to make an impact today if the India Champions harbour hopes of becoming the inaugural WCL champions.
#4 Sharjeel Khan
The explosive left-handed batter Sharjeel Khan will hold the key for the Pakistan Champions. He is among those very few who is currently playing professional cricket at the highest level.
Sharjeel was even looking to make a national comeback not long ago. Sharjeel will be crucial to Pakistan’s chances in the big game given his power-hitting attributes and the familiarity of still playing competitive cricket.
Even in the group game against the India Champions, Sharjeel blew them away with his blistering stroke play and made the big-hitting look ridiculously easy. He has scored 209 runs in the competition so far and will look to add some more to his tally in the final.
Sharjeel will have happy memories from the previous India game where he scored a blazing 72 off just 30 deliveries.
#5 Sohail Tanvir
The wrong-footed left-arm seamer who was quite a sensation in his heydays continues to be an integral part of the Pakistan Champions set up. Tanvir has lent the ideal balance to the Pakistan squad and has already made a significant impact in the earlier games. He has already bagged 6 wickets in the competition despite not playing a couple of games.
Tanvir has swung the ball both ways and was instrumental in Pakistan's come-from-behind victory against the West Indies Champions in the semis. What makes him an X factor player in his team is the ability to also contribute with the bat. It was a quickfire 33 against West Indies which propelled them to a big score.
