Ravi Bopara, Ajmal Shahzad shine as England Champions defeat India Champions in World Championship of Legends

Dubai: Ravi Bopara fired an unbeaten 110 while Ajmal Shahzad claimed four wickets as England Champions defeated India Champions by 23 runs in the World Championship of Legends at Headingley on Sunday.

Batting first, England Champions scored a brilliant 223 for three in 20 overs thanks to fine knock by Bopara. In reply, India could manage just 200/8 in 20 overs. Yusuf Pathan scored a fifty and kept India in the chase but failed to take them over the line with 25 needed off the final over. The win gave England Champions a shot at the semis berth but they have to await the result between the India and West Indies game on Tuesday.

Earlier, England began their batting losing Phil Mustard, who was bowled by Varun Aaron, early but a fine second-wicket partnership between Ian Bell and Bopara ensured a strong recovery.

Bell showed great form as he scored a fluent 54 off 39 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes.

Bopara played an explosive knock, finishing unbeaten on 110 off just 55 balls. His innings featured eight fours and eight sixes. Bopara accelerated in the final overs, attacking both spin and pace, and was well-supported in the end by Moeen Ali, who chipped in with a fluent cameo.

India’s bowling attack struggled to contain the run flow. Pawan Negi was the most expensive, going for 62 runs in his four-over spell. Harbhajan Singh was the standout, returning tidy figures of 2-18 in 3 overs.

India remain winless in the tournament. So far, three teams — South Africa, Pakistan and Australia — have secured their semi-final spot in the six-league event with India, West Indies and England fighting for the final one. The spot will be decided on Tuesday.