Stuart Binny’s Fast Fifty Powers India Champions to WCL 2025 Semi-Finals, Sets Up Clash With Pakistan

Aug, 3 2025

India Champions Clinch Semi-Final Spot With Thrilling Chase

This one had all the elements of T20 drama. Before the match, hardly anyone would've bet on India Champions reaching the WCL 2025 semi-finals after starting the tournament rock bottom, winless, and battered by losses. But on a tense afternoon at Leicester’s Uptonsteel Stadium, Stuart Binny flipped the script.

The scenario couldn’t have been more intense: India needed to chase down 145 not just to win, but to do it inside 14.1 overs. Only then could they leapfrog their competition and snatch the final semi-final spot. The West Indies Champions set the challenge, and for a while, it seemed they had the edge, thanks to a monster innings from Kieron Pollard.

Pollard's Fireworks Not Enough as Binny Leads India's Charge

West Indies were tottering early on, losing five wickets before reaching 50. It looked like a walk in the park for India’s bowlers. Then came Kieron Pollard, showing why he’s one of the game’s most feared T20 batters. He smashed eight sixes during a stunning unbeaten 74 off just 38 balls, completely flipping the mood in the West Indies camp. Thanks to him, the West Indies cobbled together 144 for 9, far more than anyone expected after that early collapse.

India Champions, however, weren’t just chasing a total—they were fighting against the clock. The opening overs were jittery, with wickets falling and the run rate equation slowly getting trickier. Then Stuart Binny walked in. He attacked from ball one, timing his shots, finding gaps, and smacking boundaries. Binny’s half-century (52 off 30 balls) anchored the chase and kept the semi-final dream alive.

Recognising the urgency, skipper Yuvraj Singh chipped in with a swift 28 off 15. He played the enforcer, picking up the pace right as the pressure crept in. And just when West Indies thought they might snatch it, Yusuf Pathan strode in swinging. His 21 off 10 balls eased any nerves left in the Indian camp. The winning moment came with five balls still in the bank—India 145 for 5, the stadium erupting, and the team booking their ticket to the semis in style.

• India chased 145 in only 13.2 overs, keeping their semi-final hopes alive and well.
• Before this win, they were dead last with just one point, battered by defeats to Australia, South Africa, and England, plus a forfeit against Pakistan.
• West Indies, despite Pollard's big hitting, saw their campaign end here.

Now all eyes turn to a blockbuster encounter: India Champions set to face Pakistan Champions, the tournament favourites and group toppers, in a semi-final clash that promises even more high-stakes action.