Dubai Royals Clinch Title in Thrilling Finale of Inaugural World Legends Pro T20 League in Goa
The inaugural World Legends Pro T20 League crowned its first champion on February 4, 2026, as the Dubai Royals secured a spectacular 8-wicket victory over the Pune Panthers in a high-scoring final at Goa’s 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium. The win capped a thrilling, nostalgia-filled tournament that brought iconic retired cricket stars back to the competitive spotlight from January 26 to February 4.
A Final of Firepower: Royals Chase Down Formidable Target
The championship match delivered the explosive batting fans had hoped for. After winning the toss, the Pune Panthers, led by Shane Watson, chose to bat first and posted a challenging 194/4 in their 20 overs. The innings was powered by a 62-run knock from Martin Guptill and a solid 55 from Upul Tharanga, setting a daunting target under final pressure.
In response, the Dubai Royals executed a masterful chase, blending aggression with calm assurance. Captain Shikhar Dhawan led from the front, playing a captain’s innings of 64 runs off just 39 balls. He was ably supported by opener Manvinder Bisla, who smashed 67 runs, including multiple sixes, in a partnership that broke the back of the chase. The Royals reached the target of 197 with six balls to spare, finishing on 197/2 with Samit Patel and Ambati Rayudu seeing the team home.
Tournament Standouts and Award Winners
The league was defined by standout individual performances from legendary players:
Orange Cap (Top Run-Scorer): Martin Guptill (Pune Panthers) topped the tournament batting charts.
Purple Cap (Top Wicket-Taker): Piyush Chawla emerged as the bowling star, claiming 15 wickets with his signature leg-spin to lead all bowlers.
Captain’s Knock: Shikhar Dhawan’s consistent leadership and batting were pivotal to the Royals’ championship journey, especially after a mixed group stage.
Road to the Goa Championship
The path to the final featured dramatic turns. The Royals’ campaign included a heavy 130-run loss to the Panthers in the group stage, making their final victory a story of redemption. In the semi-finals:
The Dubai Royals defeated the Delhi Warriors by 17 runs.
The Pune Panthers secured their spot with a win over the Rajasthan Lions.
Impact and Legacy: More Than Just a Game
Beyond the boundary, the World Legends Pro T20 League succeeded as a major sporting and cultural event for Goa. The tournament highlighted the state’s potential as a premier sports tourism destination, attracting fans eager to see their childhood heroes in action. Local officials celebrated the event for boosting the local economy and inspiring a new generation of cricket fans through its unique blend of nostalgia and high-level competition.
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The Future of Legends Cricket
The resounding success of this first edition sets a strong foundation for the future. The tournament proved there is a passionate global audience for competitive cricket played by legendary veterans. As the celebrations conclude in Goa, the cricketing world will eagerly await the return of the World Legends Pro T20 League, anticipating more iconic moments and thrilling contests in seasons to come.
