Tournament Overview
The inaugural edition of the EUT20 cricket league was staged in Belgium from 6 June to 14 June 2026. Five teams participated, contesting a total of 18 matches. International stars such as Temba Bavuma, Martin Guptill, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Alex Hales and Jason Roy featured alongside emerging European cricketers, giving the competition immediate global reach.
Sponsorship and Partnership
1xBet acted as the official partner of the league, with its branding displayed across advertising campaigns, official materials, arena signage and television broadcasts. As a back‑of‑jersey sponsor, 1xBet’s logo appeared on the Ghent Gladiators’ kit throughout the tournament. The partnership also included a fan draw for team‑branded merchandise signed by players.
Ghent Gladiators’ Path to Victory
Coached by Jonathan Trott, the Ghent Gladiators began the tournament under a back‑of‑jersey partnership with 1xBet. Their schedule was repeatedly disrupted by rain, and they suffered a Super Over defeat against JB Bruges. Despite these setbacks, the Gladiators advanced to the Super 4 stage. In the decisive Super 4 match they defeated Antwerp Anchors by 21 runs, securing a place in the final.
Final Match Details
The championship final was played the day after the Super 4 match. Antwerp Anchors batted first, posting 178 runs for the loss of six wickets in their 20‑over innings. Ghent Gladiators required 179 to win. Opener Sam Harper contributed 47 runs off 23 balls, while Josh Brown added 40 runs off 22 balls. The Gladiators reached 181 runs, surpassing the target with one ball remaining, thereby winning by three wickets.
Player Performances
Dwaine Pretorius was named Player of the Match for his bowling figures of four wickets for 18 runs. Ali Khan also received Player of the Match recognition for taking two wickets for 15 runs in the final.
Broadcast Reach
Matches were televised in India on Sony Sports Network and FanCode, in Africa on SuperSport, in the Americas on Flow Sports and Willow, and across Europe and the UK on Sky. This multi‑regional coverage amplified 1xBet’s brand exposure.
Statements from Stakeholders
A Ghent Gladiators representative said, “We had to adapt to the weather and wait for our chances, but in the decisive matches, the team showed real resilience. Thanks to 1xBet, who supported us and for their partnership.”
An EUT20 representative added, “In the debut season, it was important for us to show that European cricket can attract an international audience. We are grateful to 1xBet for their support, which helped make the tournament more visible in different regions.”
A 1xBet spokesperson concluded, “EUT20 made a strong impression in its debut season. We were pleased to support a new cricket tournament, and the victory of our partner team, Ghent Gladiators, made the season’s end especially rewarding for us. We will continue to work to develop and promote cricket worldwide.”
Disclaimer
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