Tag: Cricket Legends

Sports

World Legends Pro T20 Delivers a Grand Finale to Remember in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The World Legends Pro T20 League concluded in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night, bringing down the curtains on a tournament that successfully blended nostalgia, competitiveness and high-quality cricket, while firmly establishing Goa as a destination capable of hosting marquee sporting events.

Over the past few weeks, the league brought together some of the most iconic names in world cricket, delivering thrilling contests and moments that reminded fans why these players once ruled the global stage. Packed stadiums, strong broadcast viewership and a festive atmosphere both on and off the field underlined the growing appeal of the tournament.

World Cup-winning captain and League Commissioner Michael Clarke praised both the cricket on display and the setting that hosted it, noting that the tournament showcased Goa beyond its image as a holiday destination. He highlighted the quality of facilities, the enthusiastic crowds and the enjoyment expressed by players throughout the competition.

Despite having retired from international cricket, the legends approached each match with unmistakable intensity. Clarke remarked that the hunger to win never fades, with players still eager to perform, compete and deliver at the highest level. Several performances throughout the tournament reinforced this competitive edge.

The league produced multiple headline moments, including Martin Guptill’s sublime century, described by Clarke as among the finest innings of his career, and Piyush Chawla’s sensational hat-trick that electrified fans. These performances ensured the competition was far more than a nostalgic exhibition.

With evenly matched teams and close finishes throughout the league stage, the knockout rounds brought out the very best in the players. Clarke noted that the balance across teams played a key role in the tournament’s success, making the semifinals and final particularly compelling.

Leadership emerged as another defining element of the tournament, with Clarke singling out Harbhajan Singh’s captaincy for its tactical sharpness and calm decision-making under pressure, which translated into consistent on-field performances.

As the inaugural edition comes to a close, the World Legends Pro T20 leaves behind more than memorable matches. It has reaffirmed the enduring appeal of cricket’s legends, delivered a fresh entertainment product for fans, and opened the door for Goa to play a larger role on the international sporting calendar.

Sports

Goa Tourism Inspires the Next Generation of Cricketers through World Legends Pro T20 League Trophy Tour

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, February 2, 2026: In a bid to inspire young talent and promote inclusive participation in sports, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in association with the World Legends Pro T20 League, organised a Trophy Tour and Player Interaction at the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) Ground in Porvorim.


The initiative aimed to motivate youth and women to actively engage in sports by offering meaningful interaction with legendary cricketers while highlighting the unifying power of sport. Aspiring sportspersons, students, and cricket enthusiasts gathered for an evening filled with inspiration, learning, and celebration.

The programme featured an interactive Q&A session where participants gained insights into the journeys, challenges, and experiences of professional cricketers. To further boost engagement, a fun quiz segment was conducted, with official merchandise and match tickets awarded to winners. The event concluded with a photo session, allowing attendees to capture memorable moments with the players and the World Legends Pro T20 League trophy.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted the transformative role of sports, stating that sports inspire confidence, resilience, leadership, and values such as teamwork, discipline, and inclusivity. He reaffirmed Goa’s commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for participation across all sections of society.

The event began with a warm welcome by the emcee, setting an inclusive and engaging tone for the evening. The Trophy Tour and Player Interaction formed part of the lead-up to the World Legends Pro T20 League matches in Goa and reflected the Department of Tourism’s continued efforts to promote sports tourism while fostering empowering community-driven experiences.

Sports

A Majestic Morgan Masterclass Powers Rajasthan Lions Past Gurugram Thunders

Tanisha Cardozo

Rajasthan Lions continued their impressive run in the World Legends Pro T20 League with a commanding 27-run victory over Gurugram Thunders in Goa, led by a magnificent batting masterclass from Eoin Morgan. With the race for the semi-finals intensifying, both teams fielded formidable line-ups featuring some of the biggest names in world cricket, setting the stage for a blockbuster encounter.

After being put into bat, the Lions suffered an early setback when Sreesanth struck in the fourth over to dismiss Naman, showcasing sharp pace and disciplined line and length. However, what followed was a breathtaking exhibition of stroke play from Eoin Morgan. The stylish left-hander dominated the Thunders’ bowling attack, racing to a half-century off just 26 deliveries and effortlessly clearing the ropes with authority. Morgan’s innings came to an end at 78 off 38 balls, studded with six fours and six sixes, but by then he had firmly seized control of the contest, guiding Rajasthan to 116 for 2 by the 12th over.

The Lions capitalised on the strong platform, with valuable contributions from Callum Ferguson, Suresh Raina and Angelo Perera providing late impetus. Ferguson’s quick 39 off 24, Raina’s explosive 27 off just 12 balls, and Perera’s composed 42 off 36 helped Rajasthan Lions surge to a daunting total of 208 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.

Chasing a stiff target, Gurugram Thunders attempted to keep pace with the required rate, but the regular fall of wickets dented their momentum. Despite spirited efforts from Chirag Gandhi, who struck a rapid 54 off 27 balls, and late resistance from Colin de Grandhomme and Ross Taylor, the asking rate continued to climb steeply. With wickets tumbling and pressure mounting, the Thunders eventually finished on 181 for 7, falling short by 27 runs.

The Lions’ bowlers played a crucial role in defending the total, with Shadab Jakati and JP Duminy picking up two wickets each to ensure the Thunders never truly threatened the target. The victory lifted Rajasthan Lions to second place on the points table with three wins from four matches, firmly placing them among the frontrunners for a semi-final berth, while Gurugram Thunders remain in fourth position with one win from four outings.

With momentum firmly on their side, Rajasthan Lions will look to carry this winning form forward as the World Legends Pro T20 League continues to deliver high-octane cricket and nostalgic brilliance in Goa.

Sports

Martin Guptill’s century powers Pune Panthers to massive 130-run win over Dubai Royals

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Goa, 31 January 2026: A commanding century from Martin Guptill, backed by a disciplined all-round bowling effort, propelled Pune Panthers to a comprehensive 130-run victory over Dubai Royals in the 11th match of the World Legends Pro T20 League at the 1919 Sportz Stadium in Verna.


Batting first, Pune Panthers made an aggressive start as the openers raced to 54 runs within the first four overs. Upul Tharanga departed early for 14, but Guptill continued to dominate alongside captain Shane Watson. Carrying forward his fine form from the previous match, the New Zealand batter registered the fastest half-century of the tournament, reaching the milestone in just 20 balls.

Guptill maintained a relentless scoring pace throughout the innings, combining clean timing with powerful strokes to find the boundary regularly. He brought up his century in 44 balls before being dismissed by Piyush Chawla. Watson kept the momentum going with a brisk 27-ball half-century, while useful contributions down the order helped Pune Panthers post the highest total of the tournament, finishing on 219 for 9.

In reply, Dubai Royals’ chase faltered early as opener Kirk Edwards was dismissed in the first over, followed quickly by Amit Verma and captain Shikhar Dhawan, leaving the side struggling at 8 for 3 inside two overs. Despite brief attempts to rebuild, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

Pune’s bowlers maintained tight lines and sustained pressure, preventing Dubai Royals from forming any meaningful partnerships. Abhishek Sakhuja starred with the ball, returning figures of four wickets in his four overs, as Dubai Royals were bundled out for 89 in 13.5 overs.

The victory comes at a crucial stage for Pune Panthers, who had recorded only one win prior to the match. The result moves them to third place on the points table with four points, keeping them firmly in contention as the league stage progresses.

Earlier in the day, Rajasthan Lions sealed their place in the semi-finals with a 27-run win over Gurugram Thunders. A fluent 78 from Eoin Morgan laid the foundation for Rajasthan’s total of 208, supported by late contributions from Callum Ferguson, Suresh Raina and Angelo Perera. Sreesanth struck early with the ball, setting the tone for the defense. Despite resistance from Colin de Grandhomme and Ross Taylor, Gurugram Thunders were restricted to 181, confirming Rajasthan Lions’ semi-final qualification.

Sports

Nadeem’s Spin, Chadwick’s Carnage Power Delhi Warriors to Big Win Over Pune Panthers

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Delhi Warriors continued their dominant start to the World Legends Pro T20 League with a commanding 59-run victory over Pune Panthers at the 1919 Sportz Stadium, Goa, on Tuesday. Batting first, Delhi posted a massive 218/3, the highest total of the season so far, and followed it up with a disciplined bowling effort to register their second consecutive win.

After being put in to bat, Delhi got off to a blistering start courtesy of openers Chadwick Walton and Sreevats Goswami, who once again showcased their chemistry with a fluent 100-plus opening stand. Scoring at over 11 runs per over, the duo set the tone early and put the Pune bowlers under immediate pressure.

Walton was the standout performer yet again, smashing a confident 62 off 32 balls to move to the top of the tournament’s run charts with 190 runs in two matches, earning the Orange Cap. Goswami complemented him perfectly with a brisk 51 off 33 balls. Although the scoring rate dipped briefly during the middle overs, Irfan Pathan and Gurkeerat Singh Mann provided the late surge with rapid 40-plus contributions, propelling Delhi to a daunting 218.

In reply, Pune Panthers’ chase never truly settled. Openers Shane Watson and Martin Guptill were dismissed early, falling prey to the guile of Shahbaz Nadeem, who struck crucial blows in the powerplay. A counter-attacking 89-run partnership between Upul Tharanga and Saimullah Shinwari revived Pune’s hopes, but Delhi skipper Harbhajan Singh broke the stand by removing Tharanga.

Nadeem then delivered the decisive moment by dismissing the dangerous Shinwari, who had struck 52 off 28 balls, effectively ending Pune’s resistance. Nadeem finished with an impressive 3/25, as Delhi’s bowlers maintained control to seal a comprehensive win.

Earlier in the day, fans were treated to another thriller as Dubai Royals edged Gurugram Thunders by three runs in a last-over finish. Samit Patel’s unbeaten 65 powered Dubai to 200, while Piyush Chawla held his nerve at the death to deny Cheteshwar Pujara, who agonisingly fell one run short of a century.

With back-to-back wins, Delhi Warriors have firmly announced themselves as early title contenders in the tournament.