The inaugural European T20 Premier League delivered exactly what a new T20 competition promises — big scores, match-winning spells, individual brilliance and plenty of drama right through to the final. From a memorable title-winning knock to record-breaking bowling performances and standout individual campaigns, here are five moments that defined the first season of ETPL.
He announced himself in ETPL’s very first match with an unbeaten 83 off 55 balls against Amsterdam Flames, helping Rotterdam chase down 158 with 11 balls to spare. With the tournament reaching its decisive stage, James Vince produced the highest individual score of ETPL 2026. Facing Rotterdam Dockers in the final league match, Vince produced a sensational unbeaten 106 off 61 balls, striking 10 fours and five sixes.
Few players made an impact on the inaugural season quite like Faf du Plessis .
Du Plessis went on to finish the tournament as ETPL’s leading run-scorer with 449 runs in 10 innings, averaging 56.13 at a strike rate of 139.44. Coming in with Belfast needing 38 runs from 27 balls, he produced a stunning finish to the chase, smashing 21 off just eight balls*, including three sixes, to take Belfast past the target with nine balls to spare. Gous remained unbeaten on 90 off 61 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes, as Edinburgh reached 151/3 in 18.4 overs to win by seven wickets with eight balls to spare.
That opening performance proved to be a sign of things to come. His consistency throughout the tournament earned him the Player of the Series award, making his campaign one of the defining individual performances of the inaugural season. Maxwell was not done yet. His performance earned him Player of the Match honours and booked Belfast’s place in the inaugural ETPL Grand Final. He anchored the chase from start to finish and was named Player of the Match as the Castle Rockers became the first-ever ETPL champions.
