Rajasthan Lions vs Pune Panthers, Semi Final 1 (2nd v 3rd)

The upcoming Semi Final 1 of the World Legends Pro T20 League 2026 features a thrilling clash between the Rajasthan Lions and Pune Panthers at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium. Both teams have demonstrated impressive form during the tournament, with Rajasthan Lions finishing second and Pune Panthers third in the league standings. Rajasthan Lions have been formidable, winning 7 of their last 10 matches, driven by a balanced combination of batting depth and disciplined bowling. Key performers include their captain and leading run-scorer Rajveer Singh, who averages over 45 this season, and pacer Arjun Desai, who has taken 18 wickets with a stellar economy. On the other hand, Pune Panthers have surged with momentum, winning 6 of their last 10, showcasing match-winning contributions from explosive opener Karan Mehta and crafty spinner Vikram Joshi. Head-to-head, the two teams have met 8 times in the league stage with Rajasthan Lions leading 5-3; however, Pune Panthers won their last encounter convincingly, suggesting a keenly contested battle ahead. Strategically, Rajasthan Lions will rely on their top-order stability and death over bowling, while Pune Panthers will look to their power hitters and spin combination to exploit the pitch conditions. The psychological edge remains with Rajasthan Lions due to consistency, but Pune Panthers' recent surge poses a genuine threat.

Winning Probability Rajasthan Lions: 55%, Pune Panthers: 45%

If Rajasthan Lions bat first, they are likely to post a competitive total in the range of 165-175 runs, leveraging their solid top order and ability to accelerate in the final overs. Their middle overs batting can stabilize innings, allowing them to capitalize on any loose deliveries. Should Pune Panthers bat first, given their aggressive batting lineup especially at the top, they can aim for 160-170 runs. Their power hitters are adept at tackling both pace and spin, which should help them score quickly upfront and set a challenging target. The pitch is expected to be balanced, slightly favoring batting, allowing both teams a good chance to post winning totals.

The 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium generally offers a good balance between bat and ball. The pitch tends to be on the slower side with some assistance for spinners as the game progresses. The average first-innings score here in the current season stands at 165, with teams chasing having a win percentage of approximately 48%, indicating a fairly even contest. Weather looks clear with temperatures around 28°C and minimal wind, ensuring no interruptions. Dew factor in the evening might assist batsmen when chasing. Best bowler records at this ground between the two teams belong to Arjun Desai of Rajasthan Lions, who has taken 20 wickets here with an economy below 7. The highest individual batsman score is by Karan Mehta with 92 not out. Notably, the best bowling figures here are 4/18 by Vikram Joshi of Pune Panthers.

Matches Played	Rajasthan Lions Wins	Pune Panthers Wins
8	5	3

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches
Rajasthan Lions	W, L, W, W, W
Pune Panthers	L, W, W, L, W

Rajveer Singh (Rajasthan Lions): The captain is in red-hot form, averaging 47.8 with 3 half-centuries in the last 5 matches, anchoring the innings reliably.

Arjun Desai (Rajasthan Lions): Leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets, he has maintained an economy rate below 7 and is lethal in the death overs.

Nikhil Sharma (Rajasthan Lions): A recent improver, his all-round contributions with handy 30s and tight bowling spells have been valuable.

Karan Mehta (Pune Panthers): Explosive opener who scored 305 runs at a strike rate above 145 in recent matches, has the ability to change games rapidly.

Vikram Joshi (Pune Panthers): The crafty spinner with best figures of 4/18 at this ground, he can choke runs and take crucial wickets in middle overs.

Rohit Kapoor (Pune Panthers): An emerging finisher, has consistently performed under pressure scoring vital quick runs at the death overs.