Chadwick Walton powered Delhi Warriors to a thumping nine-wicket victory over Dubai Royals in the inaugural game of the World Legends Pro T20 League in Goa on Monday night.
The legends rolled back the years in Goa as the opening match delivered an entertaining contest at the 1919 Sportz Stadium, leaving fans awestruck. The league got off to a bang with Delhi Warriors and Dubai Royals together making 394 runs in a high-scoring affair.
Chasing a competitive target of 197, Chadwick Walton’s century, the first of the tournament, coming in the opening game itself, led the Delhi Warriors’ chase with ease, helping the team secure a comfortable nine-wicket win.
Delhi chased down the target in 16.3 overs, with 21 balls to spare, courtesy of Walton’s dominant batting display, who was ably supported by Sreevats Goswami. Both dominated the Dubai bowling attack, sharing an opening partnership of 159 runs before Goswami was dismissed for 56 which came off 33 balls, which laid the foundation of the chase.
Walton remained unbeaten on 128 which came off just 62 balls. Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla picked up the only wicket for Dubai on the night.
Atmosphere in Goa is fantastic, says Walton
“The atmosphere in Goa was fantastic, and the crowd gave us great energy, and the real difference came from the dressing room. The skipper keeps it relaxed and positive, which gives everyone the confidence to express themselves, and that calm showed even while chasing a big total,” said a jubilant Walton after the game.
“It was obviously the first game, and we got off to a very good start. Cricket coming to Goa is a big thing, and for us to be here for this reason makes it even more special. It’s amazing to play in front of such a passionate crowd, and full credit to the fans for supporting the game. Winning the toss helped, and Chadwick and Srivastav were outstanding. I have always believed a happy, united dressing room is key to success, and it’s always special to play alongside former teammates like Shikhar. Overall, it was a great outing and a fantastic start to the tournament, and I’m grateful to the organisers and fans for making it such a memorable event,” said former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who is leading Delhi Warriors in the tournament.
Earlier in the game, put into bat, the Dubai Royals made a good start with openers Shikhar Dhawan and Kirk Edwards, both looking in good touch during the powerplay. However, the early momentum did not last long as Harbhajan Singh dismissed Dhawan to provide Delhi with a timely breakthrough.
Kirk Edwards, along with Peter Trego, rebuilt the innings with a 95-run partnership, which was once again broken by Harbhajan Singh. Despite wickets falling at regular intervals, Trego anchored the innings with a half-century, guiding Dubai to a competitive total. Trego topscored with a 35-ball 60 and Edwards made 41 off 28 balls. Subodh Bhati stood out as the key bowler for Delhi with figures of 3 for 37, while Harbhajan claimed two for 25.
Fans are in for a double treat on Tuesday, as Pune Panthers take on Gurugram Thunders in the afternoon game before Rajasthan Lions take on the mighty Maharashtra Tycoons with Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, JP Duminy, Stuart Broad all expected to set the field on fire. Tickets for the World Legends Pro T20 League are available at BookMyShow.
Brief scores: Dubai Royals 196/6 in 20 overs (Peter Trego 60, Kirk Edwards 41; Suboth Bhati 3/37, Harbhajan Singh 2/25) lost to Delhi Warriors 198/1 in 16.3 overs (Chadwick Walton 128 not out, Shreevats Goswami 56; Piyush Chawla 1/46).
