The inaugural edition of the World Legends Pro T20 League kicked off in spectacular fashion at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Verna, Goa, on Monday, January 26, 2026. The opening ceremony led directly into a high-octane clash between the Delhi Warriors, captained by the legendary Harbhajan Singh and the Dubai Royals, led by the explosive Shikhar Dhawan. In a match that felt like a trip down memory lane for Indian cricket fans, the atmosphere was electric as two of the country’s most beloved icons faced off as rival captains. While the Dubai posted a formidable total, it was the individual battle between the ‘Turbanator’ and ‘Gabbar’ that provided the most talked-about highlight of the evening.
World Legends Pro T20: Harbhajan Singh claims the ultimate bragging right by dismissing Shikhar Dhawan
The highlight of the first innings occurred in the early stages when Harbhajan introduced himself into the attack to bowl to his long-time friend and former international teammate, Shikhar. Dhawan had been in vintage form, racing to 26 runs off just 14 balls and threatening to take the game away with his trademark flowing cover drives. However, Harbhajan, ever the wily operator, outfoxed the left-hander with a delivery that combined drift and a subtle change in pace.
Dhawan attempted to work a ball from outside off-stump toward the leg side, but he was deceived by the bounce and an unfortunate inside edge that saw the ball crash into his stumps. The sight of Harbhajan celebrating with his signature enthusiasm while Dhawan walked back with a wry smile perfectly encapsulated the competitive yet friendly spirit of the Legends League. Harbhajan’s dismissal of Dhawan was the crucial breakthrough the Delhi needed, as it halted a blossoming opening partnership and allowed the Delhi spinners to exert control over the middle overs. Harbhajan finished with impressive figures, later adding the wicket of Kirk Edwards to his tally to finish with 2/25 in his two-over spell.
Here’s the video:
Battle of legends! Bhajji has the last laugh over Gabbar. 💥
🗓️ Jan 26 to Feb 04, 2026.
📍 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium, Verna, Goa.#WorldLegendsProT20 #LegendsKarengeShor pic.twitter.com/ZShqMalDTz— World Legends Pro T20 League (@wlpro_T20) January 26, 2026
Chadwick Walton’s blazing 128* guides Delhi Warriors to a clinical nine-wicket victory over Dubai Royals
The Warriors turned a steep chase into a routine stroll thanks to a sensational, unbeaten century from West Indian powerhouse Chadwick Walton. Opening the innings alongside Shreevats Goswami (56), Walton was in a destructive mood from the first over, reaching his century in just 49 balls, the first of the tournament. The pair shared a mammoth 159-run opening stand that effectively ended the contest before the death overs began. Walton finished the match with an astonishing 128 off 62 balls*, an innings decorated with 14 boundaries and 8 towering sixes. His ability to manipulate the field and target both pace and spin left Dubai captain Dhawan without answers as the target was eclipsed in just 16.3 overs.
Earlier in the evening, the Royals’ innings was built on aggressive foundations but lacked a finishing kick. Peter Trego was the standout for the Royals, smashing a half-century that included nine fours and a six, while Ambati Rayudu provided late impetus with a quickfire 36.
However, the Warriors’ bowling unit, led by the disciplined Suboth Bhati (3/37) and captain Harbhajan (2/25), managed to keep the total within reach by striking at crucial intervals. Harbhajan’s dismissal of Dhawan and Edwards proved to be the tactical masterstroke of the first innings, preventing the Royals from crossing the 210-mark. With the dew making bowling difficult in the second half, the Royals’ bowlers, including Piyush Chawla (1/45) and Fidel Edwards, were unable to find their rhythm. This comprehensive win cements the Warriors’ status as early favorites, leaving the Royals to regroup before their next outing.
