Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals Prediction: Who Will Win DW vs DR 1st T20 WLPT20 Match?
The Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals prediction for the opening match of the World Legends Pro T20 League 2026 sets the tone for a nostalgic yet fiercely competitive tournament. Scheduled for Monday, 26th January 2026 at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium, this clash brings together a blend of iconic batters, crafty spinners, and powerful finishers. Cricketwebs delivers trusted match prediction insights as fans witness legends return to the spotlight.
Delhi Warriors enter the tournament with a well-rounded squad that leans on a formidable spin attack and experienced all-rounders. The presence of multiple quality spinners provides control through the middle overs—often the decisive phase in T20s—while their batting depth promises late-innings acceleration. Conversely, Dubai Royals boast a star-studded batting lineup capable of posting competitive totals, but their relative lack of specialist spin options could be exposed on a surface expected to grip as the game progresses.
The Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals prediction hinges on match-ups: Warriors’ spinners versus Royals’ power hitters, and whether Dubai’s pace can strike early to offset middle-overs pressure. Being the season opener, execution and composure will matter as much as names on paper. A strong start is crucial for momentum in a short league format.
Overall, Delhi Warriors appear slightly better balanced for Goa conditions, particularly if the pitch slows under lights. Dubai Royals, however, possess enough firepower to turn the contest with one big partnership. Expect a tight, entertaining opener with tactical nuances defining the outcome.
- Tournament opener at Goa featuring legendary players
- Delhi Warriors hold a clear spin advantage
- Dubai Royals rely heavily on batting firepower
- Middle-overs control expected to decide the game
Match Details
| Match | DW vs DR, 1st T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, 26 January 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM |
| Venue | 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium, Goa |
| Tournament | World Legends Pro T20 League 2026 |
Team Previews
Delhi Warriors Preview
Delhi Warriors arrive with a balanced squad built for T20 control and late acceleration. Led by Harbhajan Singh, the Warriors feature experienced batters, dynamic all-rounders, and a potent spin duo—ideal for Goa’s conditions.
At the top, Chadwick Walton’s aggressive intent pairs well with Chirag Gandhi’s stability. Colin Ingram at No. 3 adds left-handed authority and the ability to rebuild or accelerate. The middle order—featuring Gurkeerat Singh Mann and Shreevats Goswami—offers composure and shot-making, ensuring the innings doesn’t stall.
The finishing core is a major strength. Irfan Pathan and Isuru Udana bring muscle and game awareness, while Harbhajan Singh himself can contribute valuable runs. This depth allows Delhi to push beyond par in the final overs.
Bowling is where Delhi truly separate themselves. The spin combination of Imran Tahir and Harbhajan Singh is tailor-made for squeezing runs and forcing errors. Support from Seekkugu Prasanna and Shahbaz Nadeem adds variation, while Irfan Pathan and Udana provide seam options with the new ball and at the death.
If Delhi Warriors strike early and let their spinners dictate tempo, they can control the game. Their balance across departments makes them a strong contender to start the league with a win—an assessment that underpins the Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals prediction.
Dubai Royals Preview
Dubai Royals bring a formidable batting lineup led by Shikhar Dhawan, whose calm leadership and timing at the top remain assets. Partnered by Kirk Edwards, Dhawan will aim to maximize the powerplay and blunt Delhi’s early bowling.
The middle order is rich with experience. Ambati Rayudu offers stability and rotation, while Gitansh Khera anchors as wicketkeeper-batter. Yusuf Pathan remains a proven finisher capable of changing games in a few overs, supported by Samit Patel and Peter Trego, who add all-round value.
The concern lies in bowling balance. While Fidel Edwards and Chris Mpofu bring pace and bounce, their effectiveness depends on early wickets. Spin options—Samit Patel and Piyush Chawla—must shoulder heavy responsibility in the middle overs against Delhi’s deep batting.
Dubai’s path to victory involves maximizing the powerplay, protecting wickets through the middle, and launching at the death. If they can neutralize Delhi’s spinners and post a competitive total, their batting depth can challenge any side. However, on a surface likely to reward guile, this Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals prediction sees Dubai needing near-perfect execution.
Team Squads
Delhi Warriors:
Chadwick Walton, Colin Ingram, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Shreevats Goswami (wk), Chirag Gandhi, Ravi Jangid, Harbhajan Singh (c), Isuru Udana, Irfan Pathan, Imran Tahir, Shahbaz Nadeem, Seekkugu Prasanna, Rahul Shukla, Diwesh Pathania, Suboth Bhati
Dubai Royals:
Shikhar Dhawan (c), Gitansh Khera (wk), Fidel Edwards, Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Samit Patel, Abhishek Raut, Kirk Edwards, Danushka Gunathilaka, Parvez Rasool, Monu Kumar, Peter Trego, Amit Verma, Piyush Chawla, Chris Mpofu
Probable Playing XI
| Delhi Warriors | Dubai Royals |
|---|---|
| Harbhajan Singh (c) | Shikhar Dhawan (c) |
| Colin Ingram | Kirk Edwards |
| Chirag Gandhi | Ambati Rayudu |
| Chadwick Walton (wk) | Gitansh Khera (wk) |
| Gurkeerat Singh Mann | Yusuf Pathan |
| Shreevats Goswami | Samit Patel |
| Irfan Pathan | Peter Trego |
| Isuru Udana | Danushka Gunathilaka |
| Imran Tahir | Fidel Edwards |
| Seekkugu Prasanna | Piyush Chawla |
| Shahbaz Nadeem | Chris Mpofu |
Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Shikhar Dhawan, Colin Ingram, Ambati Rayudu |
| All-rounders | Irfan Pathan, Isuru Udana, Samit Patel |
| Wicketkeeper | Chadwick Walton |
| Bowlers | Imran Tahir, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Fidel Edwards |
This fantasy XI emphasizes middle-overs control and finishing. Shikhar Dhawan and Colin Ingram provide top-order consistency, while Ambati Rayudu offers stability. Irfan Pathan and Isuru Udana add dual value with late hitting and key overs. Samit Patel’s all-round contributions suit slower surfaces. Chadwick Walton’s aggressive starts and wicketkeeping points add upside.
In bowling, Imran Tahir and Harbhajan Singh are premium picks given expected turn and their knack for wickets under pressure. Piyush Chawla provides a contrasting leg-spin option, while Fidel Edwards adds strike potential with the new ball.
Captain Options: Imran Tahir, Shikhar Dhawan
Vice-Captain Options: Irfan Pathan, Colin Ingram
Players to Avoid: Monu Kumar, Amit Verma
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today – Delhi Warriors
Delhi Warriors are marginal favorites due to superior balance and spin depth, which should be decisive in Goa. Their batting runs deep, reducing reliance on any single player, and their spinners can dictate tempo during the most important phase of a T20. Dubai Royals possess explosive batters, but their thinner spin resources could be exposed. With experience, adaptability, and match-ups in their favor, the Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals prediction leans towards Delhi Warriors starting the tournament with a confident win.
Pitch Report
The Goa surface is typically slowish with even bounce early, increasingly rewarding spinners as the ball gets older. Powerplay scoring is possible, but shot selection becomes crucial through the middle overs. Spinners who vary pace and flight can be hard to score against. A first-innings total around 150–165 is competitive, with teams bowling well in the middle overs often dictating outcomes.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28°C |
| Rain | No rain expected |
| Humidity | Moderate |
| Wind | Light |
Clear skies and warm evening conditions are forecast in Goa. Humidity may aid grip for spinners, but no rain interruptions are expected.
Broadcast Details
The match will be streamed live on FanCode, offering full digital coverage with pre-match build-up and expert analysis.
Toss Prediction
Captains may prefer to bowl first to assess grip and chase with clarity. With dew unlikely, controlling the middle overs remains the priority.
Score Prediction
- If Delhi Warriors bat first: 155–165
- If Dubai Royals bat first: 140–150
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Probable Batsman: Colin Ingram – Ingram’s composure against spin and ability to accelerate late make him the most reliable run-scorer.
Probable Bowler: Imran Tahir – Tahir’s variations and big-match temperament should fetch wickets in the middle overs.
Match Prediction
Considering balance, conditions, and spin strength, this Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals prediction favors Delhi Warriors. Dubai Royals can threaten with early runs, but Delhi’s middle-overs control and finishing depth should see them edge the opener and set the tone for World Legends Pro T20 League 2026.
Winner: Delhi Warriors Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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