Tag: Naman Ojha

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

Late Surge and Disciplined Bowling Power Rajasthan Lions Past Dubai Royals

Swara Bodke

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

Goa | January 29, 2026
Rajasthan Lions produced a strong all-round performance, combining a crucial late batting surge with disciplined bowling, to defeat Dubai Royals by 16 runs in Match 6 of the World Legends Pro T20 League in Goa on Thursday.
Asked to bat first, the Lions were rocked early as Eoin Morgan and Callum Ferguson were dismissed cheaply, leaving the side struggling at 23/2 inside the first four overs. The early setbacks, however, were steadied by a composed partnership between Naman Ojha and Suresh Raina.
Ojha played the aggressor’s role, counter-attacking with a fluent half-century off around 30 balls, while Raina anchored the innings from the other end. At the halfway mark, Rajasthan were 79/2, well-placed but yet to fully capitalise on the platform.
Raina briefly increased the tempo before departing for 30, triggering a middle-order wobble. JP Duminy was dismissed for a golden duck, as Rishi Dhawan struck twice in two deliveries to reduce Rajasthan to 95/4.
Dubai Royals then threatened to seize complete control through Piyush Chawla, who produced a sensational spell that included the first hat-trick of the World Legends Pro T20 League. His burst ripped through the Rajasthan middle order and put the Lions under significant pressure.
Despite the collapse, Rajasthan recovered through a late flourish from Jesal Karia and Bipul Sharma. Karia struck a brisk 31 off 18 balls, while Sharma added a valuable 22 off 13 deliveries, helping the Lions post a competitive total of 170/9.
Defending the target, Rajasthan Lions delivered a commanding bowling performance, led by Karia and Sharma, who shared five wickets between them. The duo ensured that Dubai Royals were never able to build sustained partnerships during the chase.
Kirk Edwards top-scored for the Royals with 46, while Samit Patel chipped in with a quick 30, but regular wickets stalled their progress. Dubai Royals were eventually bowled out for 154 in 19.1 overs, falling 16 runs short of the target.
Match Result:
Rajasthan Lions won by 16 runs

Brief Scores:

Rajasthan Lions – 170/9

Naman Ojha 66 (43)

Jesal Karia 31 (18)

Piyush Chawla 3/29 (4 overs)

Samit Patel 2/33 (4 overs)

Dubai Royals – 154/10 (19.1 overs)

Kirk Edwards 46 (38)

Samit Patel 30 (17)

Jesal Karia 3/21 (3.1 overs)

Bipul Sharma 3/28 (4 overs)