Pakistan Champions edged out England Champions by five runs in a closely contested fixture at Edgbaston on July 19, 2025, kicking off their World Champions League (WCL) 2025 campaign with a victory. However, their batting innings was once again marred by a run-out, a recurring issue that continues to haunt Pakistan’s cricket legacy. The unfortunate victim this time was Umar Amin, whose innings came to an abrupt end due to a mix-up with Mohammad Hafeez. The dismissal, reminiscent of several past run-out fiascos in Pakistan cricket, drew widespread attention as it cost the team momentum during a crucial phase of their innings.
Umar Amin falls victim to Mohammed Hafeez’s ball-watching in WCL 2025
The incident unfolded during the eighth over of Pakistan Champions’ innings. England Champions’ Dimitri Mascarenhas was the bowler when Hafeez played a cut shot and appeared interested in a quick single. Hafeez stepped out slightly but then abruptly changed his mind and returned to his crease, all while keeping his eyes firmly on the ball. Amin, who had already committed to the run, found himself stranded mid-pitch. Phil Mustard, alert behind the stumps, swiftly collected the ball and sent in a clean throw to Mascarenhas. With a cool head, the bowler dismantled the stumps before Amin could return, completing a textbook run-out. It was a clear breakdown in communication, and once again, Hafeez’s lack of awareness proved costly for his partner.
Pakistan’s cricket history is littered with tales of comedic and costly run-outs, and this instance added yet another chapter to that long list. The mix-up highlighted the familiar flaw in running between the wickets that has troubled the team across eras. Even in a legends match, the same issues with judgment, calling, and coordination resurfaced. For Amin, this was an unfortunate way to end his innings, especially when he looked settled and ready to build a partnership. Hafeez, a veteran of many such incidents, once again drew scrutiny for his poor communication on the pitch.
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Pakistan Champions clinch nail-biting win over England Champions in WCL 2025 Opener at Edgbaston
Electing to bowl first, England’s veteran lineup put early pressure on Pakistan, reducing them to 48/4 inside nine overs. However, captain Hafeez produced a vintage knock, smashing 54 off 34 balls with eight boundaries to stabilize the innings. Despite regular wickets falling around him, Hafeez anchored the middle overs smartly before falling in the 17th over.
Aamer Yamin’s explosive cameo, a 13-ball 27* with three sixes, helped Pakistan post a competitive 160/9. England Champions, in reply, got off to a shaky start with Alastair Cook and James Vince departing cheaply. However, Mustard (58 off 51) and Ian Bell (51 not out off 35) rebuilt the innings with a 55-run partnership. The turning point came when Mustard was dismissed in the 16th over, halting England’s momentum just when they looked poised to chase down the target. Rumman Raees bowled a brilliant spell (4-0-14-1), while Aamer Yamin and Sohail Tanvir kept things tight at the death. England finished on 155/3, falling short by just five runs. Hafeez, for his captain’s knock under pressure, was rightfully named Player of the Match as Pakistan Champions walked away with two crucial points to open their campaign in style.
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