Piyush Chawla reminded fans why he was one of the most successful leg-spinners in T20 cricket with a stunning hattrick for the Dubai Royals against Rajasthan Lions in the World Legends Pro T20 League 2026. In a dramatic contest at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Goa, Chawla’s middle-over burst became the talking point of the match despite the defeat.
Chawla spins his web
After electing to bat first, Rajasthan Lions posted a competitive 170 for 9 in their 20 overs, thanks to a mix of disciplined batting and aggressive late hitting. However, Chawla delivered one of the most memorable spells of the match with his leg-spin, ending with figures of 3/29 in 4 overs. His spell included a hattrick, which came at a time when Royals were trying to restrict the Lions to a modest total and build pressure ahead of their chase.
His rapid trio of dismissals showcased clever variations, sharp flight and guile, reminding observers of his prime bowling days. He first cleaned up Ben Cutting before bamboozling Angelo Perera to get him out LBW to finish the 14th over with back-to-back wickets. On the first ball of 15th over, Chawla gor Abhimanyu Mithun LBW to complete a stunning hattrick.
Dramatic chase & final result
In reply, Dubai Royals attempted to chase down the target set by Rajasthan Lions, but despite Chawla’s stunning bowling, the Lions’ total proved just too strong. The Royals fell short and ended on 154 for 9, handing Rajasthan a 16-run victory. Bipul Sharma was named Player of the Match for his bowling contributions (3/28) that helped restrict Dubai’s batting lineup. Chawla’s hattrick remained one of the defining moments of the match even in defeat, a reminder that individual brilliance can shine irrespective of the result.
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A chapter in a storied career
Piyush Chawla’s journey through T20 cricket has been long and distinguished. A veteran of the Indian Premier League and a key part of multiple title-winning squads, Chawla announced his retirement from professional cricket in June 2025 after more than two decades at the top level. During his IPL tenure, he became one of the tournament’s most prolific bowlers, finishing as the joint third-highest wicket-taker with 192 wickets from 192 matches, and winning a title with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014.
His appearance in the Legends Pro League brought him back into competitive action, allowing fans to enjoy a bit more of his craft. The hattrick in Goa was a fitting highlight for a bowler with a reputation for producing match-turning magic, even as his formal professional career had concluded.
