Tag: Cricket

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Asian Legend Cup 2026: India Clinch Title with Five-Wicket Win Over Bangladesh

Tanisha Cardozo

India Legends capped off a dominant campaign by lifting the Asian Legend Cup 2026 after registering a convincing five-wicket victory over Bangladesh Legends in the final at the BCA Ground in Thailand.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh Legends struggled to gain momentum against disciplined Indian bowling and were restricted to 123 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Najmuj Sadat top-scored with a measured 22, while Sadiqur Rahman chipped in with 21. Intyiaj Hossain’s brief knock of 21 showed promise, but regular wickets prevented Bangladesh from building any substantial partnerships.

India’s bowlers kept things tight from the outset. Kapil Rana and Kalim Khan were the standout performers, claiming two wickets each to dent Bangladesh’s top and middle order. Amardeep Sonkar impressed with an economical spell, conceding just six runs in three overs and picking up a wicket, while Goa’s Madar Basappa also chipped in with a crucial breakthrough. Sharp fielding further aided India’s cause, resulting in two run-outs.

Chasing a modest target of 124, India Legends endured an early wobble as Bhanu Seth, Narendra Meena and Kalim Khan departed cheaply. Former Bangladeshi international star Alok Kapali produced a spirited spell for Bangladesh, picking up four wickets and briefly tilting the contest in his side’s favour.

However, Deepak anchored the chase with a calm yet authoritative innings. Displaying excellent game awareness, he rotated the strike efficiently and punished loose deliveries, finishing unbeaten on 74. Skipper Jatin Saxena provided valuable support with an unflustered 21 not out, as the duo stitched together a decisive unbeaten partnership to steer India home in 18.4 overs.

Despite Bangladesh’s efforts with the ball, including Kapali’s four-wicket haul, the lack of runs on the board ultimately proved costly. India crossed the line comfortably, sparking celebrations in the camp and sealing the Asian Legend Cup 2026 title in style.

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’s Madar Basappa Shines as India Legends Storm into Asian Legend Cup 2026 Final

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s Madar Basappa produced a match-defining performance with the ball as India Legends registered a thumping 104-run victory over Hong Kong in a league match of the Asian Legend Cup 2026 in Thailand, sealing their place in the tournament final. The win marked yet another dominant display by the Indian side in an impressive campaign.

After opting to bat first, India Legends piled up a massive 240 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs, powered by aggressive knocks from Bhanu Seth, Parminder and Amer Khan. The imposing total put Hong Kong under immense pressure from the outset, setting the stage for India’s bowlers to take control of the contest.

Madar Basappa emerged as the standout performer with the ball, delivering an exceptional spell of 3 wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs. Bowling with sharp control, variation and discipline, the Goan all-rounder struck at crucial moments to dismantle Hong Kong’s chase. He removed Kamal as the batter attempted to steady the innings, dismissed Ibrez soon after, and then produced a key moment by stumping Iftikhar to halt any hopes of a recovery. His economy rate of 3.75 reflected the pressure he consistently applied on the batters.

Hong Kong were eventually restricted to 136 in 20 overs, never able to recover from the damage inflicted by Basappa and the disciplined Indian bowling unit. While Bhanu Seth was named Player of the Match for his explosive batting performance, Madar Basappa’s spell stood out as one of the defining highlights of the encounter.

Basappa’s contribution brought pride to Goa as he showcased his talent on a major international stage. The all-rounder has also represented Gomanchal Warriors in the GVCL tournament and continues to strengthen his reputation as a dependable match-winner. India Legends have enjoyed a dominant run in the tournament, beginning with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka, followed by a comprehensive 77-run victory against arch-rivals Pakistan and a close 12-run win over Bangladesh, underlining their strong form heading into the final of the Asian Legend Cup 2026.

Sports

Naman Ojha, Shadab Jakati Shine as Rajasthan Lions Seal Second League Win

Tanisha Cardozo

Rajasthan Lions continued their impressive run in the World Legends Pro T20 League by registering a comfortable six-wicket victory over Pune Panthers in the ninth match of the tournament at Goa on January 30, 2026. Chasing a modest target, the Lions showcased composure and experience, completing the chase in just 15.1 overs to secure two valuable points.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pune Panthers struggled early despite opening with experienced campaigners Upul Tharanga and Martin Guptill. Guptill struck a couple of crisp boundaries before falling in the opening over, while Shane Watson departed soon after, leaving Pune reeling at 30 for 3. Rajasthan’s bowlers applied consistent pressure, making run-scoring difficult during the early stages.

A crucial 87-run partnership between Tharanga and Kieron Pollard revived Pune’s innings. Pollard, playing his first match of the tournament, looked in sublime touch, clearing the ropes with ease before being dismissed for 48. Tharanga narrowly missed his half-century, scoring 49, but once the pair departed, Pune lost momentum and wickets fell in quick succession. The Panthers were eventually bowled out for 144 in 18.2 overs, with Shadab Jakati starring with figures of 3 for 13 and support coming from every bowler.

Rajasthan Lions’ chase did not begin smoothly, as captain Eoin Morgan, Callum Ferguson and Suresh Raina fell cheaply. Amid the early setbacks, Naman Ojha once again proved his value, anchoring the innings with a well-crafted 51 off 28 deliveries. His calm presence steadied the chase and allowed Rajasthan to regain control.

After Ojha’s dismissal, JP Duminy ensured there were no further hiccups, combining with birthday boy Ben Cutting in a brisk partnership that sealed the game. Duminy remained unbeaten on 37, while Cutting struck the winning runs, wrapping up a comprehensive victory for the Lions.

The result further strengthens Rajasthan Lions’ position in the league standings and highlights their balanced combination of experienced batting and disciplined bowling as the tournament progresses.

Sports

Goan Player Basappa Madar Named in Indian Squad for Inaugural Asian Legends Cup 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa’s veteran cricketer Basappa Madar has been selected to represent India in the inaugural Asian Legends Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from January 28 to February 4. His selection marks a proud moment for Goa, with Abhijit Kadam from Sangli also named in the Indian squad from the West Zone.

The Indian squad has been officially announced by the Board for Veteran Cricket in India, marking the launch of the first-ever Asia-level continental championship for cricketers aged 40 years and above. The tournament will feature six Asian nations — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE, and Hong Kong — and is being seen as a landmark event for veteran cricket in the country.

Former India international Manpreet Gony has been appointed captain of the Indian team, with Jatin Saxena named vice-captain. The squad has been selected based on performances in recent inter-zonal veteran tournaments, bringing together experienced and consistent performers from across the country.

Reacting to the announcement, Vinod Phadke, President of the Goa Veteran Cricket Association and Secretary of the Board for Veteran Cricket in India, described the tournament as a historic step for the sport. He said the selection of Basappa Madar reflects the depth of talent within Goa and the West Zone and expressed confidence that the Indian team would perform strongly on the Asian stage.

Sudesh Prabhudesai, Secretary of the Goa Veteran Cricket Association, also welcomed the development, stating that it was encouraging to see a Goan player gain international exposure through veteran cricket. He added that the association’s sustained efforts and competitive leagues have helped provide players with the right platform to progress to higher levels.

Expressing his happiness, Basappa Madar said that representing India at an international veterans’ tournament was a dream come true and that he was proud to take Goa’s name onto the Asian stage. Abhijit Kadam echoed similar sentiments, calling the selection a great honour and a responsibility he looked forward to embracing.

The Asian Legends Cup 2026 is expected to give veteran cricket a new dimension, offering seasoned players the opportunity to compete at the highest continental level while celebrating the passion, experience, and enduring spirit of the game.