Pune Panthers produced one of the most memorable chases of the World Legends Pro T20 League, hunting down a daunting target of 214 to defeat Rajasthan Lions by six wickets and book their place in the final in Goa on Tuesday night.
In a semifinal that swung violently till the very end, both sides refused to yield, combining for a staggering 430 runs in a night that had everything a knockout deserves.
Batting first after winning the toss, the Rajasthan Lions were powered by a sublime Angelo Perera masterclass. The Sri Lankan anchored the innings with a brilliantly composed unbeaten 96, standing tall as wickets fell around him. Early intent from skipper Eoin Morgan set the tone, but the Lions were kept in check by a disciplined Pune Panthers bowling unit. The pace of Ankit Rajpoot, the craft of Amit Mishra, and the experience of DJ Bravo ensured Rajasthan were never allowed to fully break free.
JP Duminy looked ominous during his fluent 29 before Bravo struck twice in a pivotal over, removing both Duminy and Suresh Raina in quick succession. What followed was a late assault as Perera and Callum Ferguson shifted gears, sending the ball deep into the stands to push Rajasthan past the 200- mark. Ferguson’s explosive 39 off just 19 deliveries ended in the 19th over, while Ishwar Pandey delivered a superb final over, conceding only four runs and dismissing Ben Cutting to restrict the Lions to 213/6.
Chasing 214 in a knockout semifinal, Pune Panthers had a mixed start. Martin Guptill departed early, but Shane Watson and Tillakaratne Dilshan steadied the innings before Watson fell in the eighth over. Shinwari and Dilshan rebuilt patiently, though the asking rate continued to climb. Just as pressure mounted, Dilshan was dismissed for 48 by local hero Shadab Jakati, leaving the Panthers with plenty to do.
The West Indian powerhouse ignited the chase with brutal strokeplay, partnering Shinwari in a counter-attack that swung momentum dramatically. Pollard’s blistering 43 kept Pune alive before he fell in the 17th over, leaving the equation delicately poised.
From there, it was the Shinwari–Robin Uthappa showtime. The duo added 47 runs in just 19 deliveries, showing nerves of steel and impeccable timing to seal the chase with authority. Shinwari’s composure and Uthappa’s finishing touch ensured Pune Panthers crossed the line at 217/4, scripting a famous six-wicket victory.
Pune Panthers now march into the final of the World Legends Pro T20 League, where they will face the winners of the second semifinal between Delhi Warriors and Dubai Royals.
Brief scores: Rajasthan Lions 213/6 in 20 overs (Angelo Perera 96, Callum Ferguson 39; DJ Bravo 2/43, Ishwar Pandey 1/26) lost to Pune Panthers 217/4 in 20 overs (S Shinwari 53, Upul Tharanga 48; Shadab Jakati 2/27, Abhimanyu Mithun 1/58).
