In an edge-of-the-seat thriller at the Asian Legends League, Indian Royals pulled off a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan Panthers. Chasing a competitive target of 168, the Royals held their nerve during a chaotic finish to cross the line in 17.3 overs, finishing at 169/8.
ALSO READ: India sign off CWG 2026 with 39 medals, Here's full list of medal winners and final rankings
Indian Royals edge Pakistan Panthers by 2 wickets
Batting first, Pakistan Panthers set a solid foundation by posting 167/6 in their allotted 20 overs. However, the target seemed far away for the Indian Royals after a dramatic top-order collapse. Mohammad Irfan struck early to remove opener Naman Ojha (4) and the dangerous Abhishek Jalota, who provided a fiery start with a 19-ball 30. When Rana Anwar, Rahat Ali, and Imran Nazir made quick inroads into the middle order, the Royals found themselves reeling at 44/4 within eight overs.
Rishi Dhawan's fifty in India's win
The rescue operation was launched by Rishi Dhawan and Suboth Bhati, who put together a match-defining partnership. Dhawan led from the front with a blistering 50 off 32 deliveries, adorned with five boundaries and two sixes. Matching his partner's aggression, Bhati launched a devastating counter-attack, smashing 46 off just 29 balls with three fours and four towering sixes. Together, they neutralized the threat posed by Yasir Shah (2/31) and Rahat Ali (2/40), shifting the momentum decisively back in favour of the Royals.
ALSO READ: Five India bowlers in frame to replace Jasprit Bumrah for India vs Sri Lanka Test series
Just as the chase looked comfortably under control, Yasir Shah triggered a late twist by removing Farman Ahmed and Sarul Kanwar in quick succession during the 17th over. With eight wickets down and tension mounting, Anureet Singh played a sensational cameo to close out the contest. Showing nerves of steel, Anureet blasted an unbeaten 12 off just four balls—including a boundary and a massive six—while Veer Pratap Singh (2*) stood firm at the other end.
Anureet's explosive late burst sealed a dramatic victory for the Indian Royals with 15 balls to spare. Despite impressive bowling spells from Mohammad Irfan (2/19) and Rahat Ali, the Panthers were left empty-handed as Dhawan and Bhati’s heroics, combined with Anureet’s ice-cool finish, proved decisive.