One of the most unusual moments in the history of WCL 2025 (World Championship of Legends) came about when ex-Australian fast bowler John Hastings bowled a nightmare over for Australia during its comprehensive ten-wicket defeat against Pakistan at Leicester’s Grace Road.
Hastings’ Horror Over: 18 Balls, 12 Wides, 1 No-Ball
One of the longest overs in cricket history was bowled by John Hastings. He took 17 balls while Pakistan Champions were chasing the target, and the over still wasn’t complete#WCL2025 | #CricketTwitter
— Usman (@jamilmusman_) July 29, 2025
Hastings was not able to finish the over, which consisted of 6 balls six broad and a no-ball, having bowled 12 wides, which included 18 balls and 19 runs, was one of the longest and most unconventional overs in the history of professional cricket, not one we would very much like to imitate.
Australia Collapses for 74 in WCL 2025 Clash
Australia, going as Australia Champions, were bowled out for a meager total of 74 runs from just 11.5 overs. Only Ben Dunk (26), Callum Ferguson (10), and extras (11) reached double figures. The awful team batting performance meant that the bowlers had little chance against a strong Pakistani team.
John Hastings Over
Beginning: Five successive wides on the offside.
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Followed by: Two legal balls – a single and a boundary.
Then: A no-ball which was also a wide down leg.
Free Hit: Another wide, followed by a leg bye.
Chaos Continues: Wide to Maqsood, dot ball, and a single.
Five more wides to hand Pakistan the win.
Despite trying various angles and altering over and around the wicket, Hastings could not maintain control. The over-lapse occurred without even completing the six lawful deliveries required.
Pakistan Openers Walk to Victory
Pakistan openers Sharjeel Khan (32)* and Sohaib Maqsood (28)* took the target lightly, completing the chase with ease in the midst of a bowling collapse. Both the batsmen were left on the field, finishing a commanding show for the men in green.
Australia Stay in WCL 2025 Semi-Finals
Despite the one-sided defeat, the Australia Champions will remain in the WCL 2025 semi-finals, where they will face South Africa, led by cricket icon AB de Villiers, in the early hours of Friday AEST.
The historic over by John Hastings is already being termed as one of the worst overs in cricketing history, and though it was a tough night for the Australia Champions, they’ll get an opportunity to redeem themselves in the WCL 2025 semi-finals. With legends from both teams, the upcoming battle promises to be an electrifying affair.
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