In one of the most bizarre moments of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, Australia Champions pacer John Hastings bowled an 18-ball over, conceding 12 wides and one no-ball during his first over against Pakistan Champions. The incident occurred in match number 14 at Grace Road, Leicester, and played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s commanding 10-wicket win.
Chasing a modest target of 75, Pakistan were already cruising at 55 for no loss at the end of seven overs when captain Brett Lee handed the ball to Hastings in a bid to break the opening stand. However, the decision backfired spectacularly. Hastings, known for his disciplined pace bowling during his international career, completely lost control of his line and length, delivering three overs’ worth of deliveries just to complete five legal balls.
John Hastings in an over in World Championship of Legends. 12 wides 🤯 pic.twitter.com/xa9mwfybT9
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) July 29, 2025
The over began with five consecutive wides, followed by two legal deliveries. But just as it seemed he might find his rhythm, the 39-year-old bowled a no-ball, then another wide. After a dot ball, the chaos resumed with a final sequence of five more wides, much to the disbelief of teammates and spectators alike. Pakistan capitalised by scoring 20 runs from just five legitimate balls, sealing victory in the very over and maintaining their unbeaten record in the tournament.
Openers Sharjeel Khan (32* off 23 balls) and Sohaib Maqsood (28* off 26 balls) comfortably guided Pakistan home with a staggering 73 balls to spare, wrapping up one of the most dominant wins of the WCL season so far.
Australia Champions vs Pakistan Champions: At a glance
Earlier in the day, Australia Champions opted to bat first and suffered a batting collapse, being skittled out for just 74 in 11.5 overs. Ben Dunk was the only notable contributor, scoring 26 runs from 14 balls, while Callum Ferguson was the only other batter to reach double figures. The rest of the lineup failed to offer any resistance against a clinical Pakistan bowling attack.
Veteran spinner Saeed Ajmal was the star with the ball, delivering a magical spell of 6 for 16, earning him the ‘Player of the Match’ award. His variations and guile dismantled the Aussie middle order, setting the stage for Pakistan’s emphatic chase.
