WLP T20 League 2026: Match 3, RL vs MT Match Prediction

Rajasthan Lions Set to Take on Maharashtra Tycoons in World Legends Pro T20 League

Match Preview

Rajasthan Lions (RL) will clash with Maharashtra Tycoons (MT) in Match No. 3 of the World Legends Pro T20 League (WLP) 2026 at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Goa on Tuesday, January 27. The stage is set for an electrifying encounter as these two powerhouse teams go head-to-head in what promises to be a thrilling match.

Team Lineups

Rajasthan Lions, led by the experienced Eoin Morgan, will showcase a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Suresh Raina, Ben Cutting, Naman Ojha, Jean-Paul Duminy, and Abhimanyu Mithun. With a perfect blend of leadership and talent, Rajasthan Lions will be aiming to assert their dominance right from the start.

On the other hand, Maharashtra Tycoons, under the captaincy of Dinesh Karthik, boast a formidable squad including Chris Gayle, Shaun Marsh, Stuart Binny, Dale Steyn, and Carlos Brathwaite. Packed with match-winners in every department, Maharashtra Tycoons will be looking to kick off their campaign with a strong performance against Rajasthan Lions.

Pitch Report

The 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Goa generally favors the bowlers. However, with the match being played at night, dew could play a crucial role later in the game, making it challenging for the bowlers. Spinners will need to adapt by varying their pace and flight to make an impact on the game under these conditions.

Head-to-Head Record

This clash between Rajasthan Lions and Maharashtra Tycoons in the World Legends Pro T20 League 2026 will mark the first meeting between the two teams. With both sides eager to make a strong start to their campaign, all eyes will be on this exciting contest.

Predicted Playing 11s

Rajasthan Lions (RL): Eoin Morgan (C), Naman Ojha (WK), Angelo Perera, Suresh Raina, Ben Cutting, Jean-Paul Duminy, Abhimanyu Mithun, Anureet Singh, Shadab Jakati, Callum Ferguson, Bipul Sharma

Maharashtra Tycoons (MT): Dinesh Karthik (C & WK), Alastair Cook, Shaun Marsh, Chris Gayle, Stuart Binny, Carlos Brathwaite, Dale Steyn, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Sharma, Manvinder Bisla, Pawan Suyal

Key Players to Watch

Probable Best Batter: Chris Gayle

West Indies legend Chris Gayle is expected to be the standout batter in this clash. With his explosive power-hitting abilities, Gayle can turn the game in his team’s favor with his boundary-clearing prowess.

Probable Best Bowler: Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn, known for his sheer pace and ability to trouble batsmen with his crafty bowling, is likely to shine as the top bowler in this match. His performances in crucial stages of the game could be pivotal for Maharashtra Tycoons.

Match Prediction

With both teams boasting strong lineups, the team batting first could have the edge in this encounter. The battle between Rajasthan Lions and Maharashtra Tycoons promises to be an enthralling spectacle, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome of this high-stakes match.

**Analysis of Team Strengths and Weaknesses**

Rajasthan Lions come into this match with a well-rounded team led by the experienced Eoin Morgan. They have a mix of explosive batsmen like Suresh Raina and Ben Cutting, along with reliable all-rounders such as Jean-Paul Duminy. Naman Ojha’s wicket-keeping skills add depth to their lineup, making them a formidable force in the tournament. However, their bowling attack may face challenges adapting to the dew factor, requiring strategic adjustments to contain the opposition.

In contrast, Maharashtra Tycoons possess a star-studded lineup with the big-hitting duo of Chris Gayle and Shaun Marsh at the top of the order. Dinesh Karthik’s leadership and the presence of seasoned campaigners like Dale Steyn and Carlos Brathwaite provide the team with experience and skill in crucial moments. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Steyn, has the potential to dismantle any batting order, giving them an edge in the match.

**Historical Performance and Momentum**

While this marks the first meeting between Rajasthan Lions and Maharashtra Tycoons in the World Legends Pro T20 League, both teams come into the encounter with a strong desire to kick off their campaign on a winning note. The absence of a head-to-head record adds an element of unpredictability to the match, as fans eagerly await the clash between these two powerhouse teams.

**Impact of Match Conditions**

The pitch at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Goa is known to favor bowlers, providing an interesting challenge for both teams. The night-time match and potential dew factor could significantly influence the game’s outcome, requiring teams to adapt their strategies accordingly. Spinners, in particular, will need to rely on variations and guile to outsmart the batsmen in conditions that may offer them some assistance.

**Key Players to Watch Out For**

Chris Gayle’s explosive batting style makes him a player to watch in this match. His ability to clear boundaries with ease can shift the momentum in Maharashtra Tycoons’ favor, particularly in the powerplay overs. On the other hand, Dale Steyn’s pace and accuracy make him a potent threat with the ball. His knack for picking up wickets at crucial junctures could be instrumental in restricting Rajasthan Lions’ scoring rate.

**Match Prediction and Strategies**

Given the balanced nature of both teams, the toss could play a vital role in determining the outcome of the match. The team winning the toss may opt to bat first to capitalize on the conditions and set a challenging target for their opponents. However, chasing under dewy conditions could pose challenges, making it a strategic decision for the captains.

In conclusion, the clash between Rajasthan Lions and Maharashtra Tycoons promises to be a thrilling contest with high stakes. With talented players on both sides and the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, fans can expect an exciting match filled with twists and turns. The battle between bat and ball, as well as the strategic decisions made by the captains, will ultimately decide the winner in this exciting encounter.