Tag: T20 League India

Sports

Dubai Royals to Face Pune Panthers in World Legends Pro T20 League Final

Tanisha Cardozo

The World Legends Pro T20 League is set for an exciting conclusion as Shikhar Dhawan-led Dubai Royals prepare to face Kieron Pollard’s Pune Panthers in the final on 4th February 2026 at the 1919 Sportz Stadium in Goa. The much-anticipated clash follows two high-intensity semi-finals that showcased the enduring class and competitive spirit of cricket’s biggest legends.

Dubai Royals booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 17-run victory over league table toppers Delhi Warriors in the second semi-final. Put in to bat first, the Royals faced early pressure as wickets fell regularly. Once again, Shikhar Dhawan stood tall, anchoring the innings with calm assurance. The left-hander continued his rich vein of form, crafting a composed 71 and holding the innings together when partnerships were hard to come by.

While wickets continued to tumble at the other end, Delhi Warriors skipper Harbhajan Singh kept his side in the contest with a disciplined bowling spell, picking up two crucial wickets. A late surge from Yusuf Pathan, who smashed 34 off just 19 balls, proved vital in pushing Dubai Royals to a competitive total of 192 for 7.

In response, Delhi Warriors began positively, but timely breakthroughs shifted the momentum. Parvez Rasool provided the first opening, and Piyush Chawla followed it up with a match-defining spell. Chawla’s figures of 3 for 25 choked the middle order just when Delhi threatened to accelerate, swinging the game firmly in Dubai Royals’ favour. Despite resistance from Shreevats Goswami and a late flourish by Seekkuge Prasanna, Delhi Warriors fell short at 175 for 7.

Earlier in the first semi-final, Pune Panthers showcased their depth and composure with a six-wicket win over Rajasthan Lions. Angelo Perera’s unbeaten 96 went in vain as Pune’s bowling, led by DJ Bravo, kept things under control before S Shinwari and Robin Uthappa guided a steady chase to seal their spot in the final.

With Dhawan’s consistency, Pollard’s firepower, and a host of legendary names on display, the final promises a fitting end to a memorable World Legends Pro T20 League season. Tickets for the matches are available on BookMyShow.

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.