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The World Legends Pro T20 League 2026 concluded with a high-octane final at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Goa, where the Dubai Royals pulled off a stunning turnaround. Facing the formidable Pune Panthers, Shikhar Dhawan’s men proved their ‘underdog’ tag wrong by chasing down a massive target with clinical precision.
The tournament, which featured retired icons like Martin Guptill and Kieron Pollard, saw the Royals rise from the bottom of the table to claim the inaugural title. In a game defined by power-hitting and veteran savvy, the Royals secured an 8-wicket victory with six balls to spare. This win marked a fairytale ending for a team that many had written off midway through the group stages. The packed Goa crowd witnessed a masterclass in T20 chasing, solidifying the league’s reputation for elite competitive cricket.
Martin Guptill’s century foundation and Pune Panthers’ imposing total
The Panthers, led by Kieron Pollard, set a daunting target after being put in to bat, finishing their 20 overs at 194/4. The innings was anchored by the tournament’s leading run-scorer, Martin Guptill, who continued his red-hot form with a blistering 62 off 40 balls, including 4 boundaries and 4 sixes. He was ably supported by Upul Tharanga, who struck a fluent 55 off 39 deliveries, together forging a century-opening stand that put the Royals’ bowlers on the back foot.
Shane Watson then provided the late-innings fireworks, remaining unbeaten on 50 off just 24 balls at a strike rate of 208.33. Despite the onslaught, Piyush Chawla remained the pick of the bowlers for Dubai, claiming 2/42 and consistently breaking the momentum during the middle overs. Parvez Rasool also contributed with a disciplined spell of 1/30, helping to keep the Panthers under the 200-run mark. The Panthers’ total of 194 appeared more than sufficient on a surface that had begun to show signs of wear and tear.
Shikhar Dhawan and Manvinder Bisla’s record stand seals the crown
Royals’ response was nothing short of spectacular, as they overhauled the target by reaching 197/2 in 19 overs. The chase was spearheaded by a vintage performance from Dhawan, who smashed 64 off 39 balls, and Manvinder Bisla, who top-scored with a heroic 67 off 44 balls, featuring 5 massive sixes. Their opening partnership of 131 runs in just 13.2 overs effectively neutralized the Panthers’ pace attack and left the fielders shell-shocked.
After both openers departed, the experienced duo of Ambati Rayudu (29 off 17)* and Samit Patel (28 off 14)* ensured there were no further hiccups, closing out the game with an unbeaten 50-run partnership. For Pune, Ankit Rajpoot was the only bowler to find significant rhythm, returning figures of 1/27, while Dwayne Bravo conceded 36 runs for his lone wicket. The victory was a tactical masterpiece, as the Royals scored at a run rate of 10.37 to clinch the trophy. Dhawan was rightfully named Player of the Match for his leadership and consistent run-scoring throughout the knockout phase.
They rose. They conquered. They are the champions. 🏆
— World Legends Pro T20 League (@wlpro_T20)
𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫. 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝. 🫡
3️⃣ fifties in a row, 3️⃣ wins in a row, and 3️⃣ Legend of the Match awards in a row. 💥
— World Legends Pro T20 League (@wlpro_T20)
Also READ: Indian-origin cricketers in T20 World Cup 2026: Full list of players representing various countries
