2nd December 2024: Morrisville Samp Army secured their place in the final of the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10, setting up a much-anticipated rematch with the Deccan Gladiators. The dramatic clash at Zayed Cricket Stadium saw USA international Andries Gous anchor the chase of a modest 90-run target, despite a fiery Delhi Bulls bowling display. Gous’s determined 38-run knock stood out as wickets tumbled around him, and he even shrugged off a helmet strike from Pakistan pacer Salman Irshad to keep his team in contention.

However, Irshad briefly swung the momentum Delhi’s way, taking two crucial wickets in consecutive deliveries to dismiss Gous and Karim Janat. With 30 runs needed off the final three overs and only five wickets in hand, Samp Army were under pressure.

Enter England’s Jack Taylor and Pakistan’s Imad Wasim, who steadied the innings before unleashing a barrage of boundaries to seal the win with three balls to spare. Taylor’s unbeaten 23 off 11 balls proved decisive as the Samp Army clinched victory by five wickets.

Earlier in the match, the Samp Army bowling attack dismantled the Delhi Bulls’ batting line-up. Sri Lankan veteran Isuru Udana delivered a stellar performance, taking 3/17 in his two overs, while Afghanistan spinner Amir Hamza contributed with 2/22. The disciplined effort restricted the Bulls to a paltry 89/7 in their 10 overs, earning Udana the Player of the Match accolade.

With this win, Morrisville Samp Army are now poised for a thrilling final showdown against the Deccan Gladiators, as they look to cap off their campaign with glory.

1st December 2024: England’s Tom Banton lit up the Zayed Cricket Stadium with a scintillating performance, propelling the Delhi Bulls into the second Qualifier of the Abu Dhabi T10’s eighth edition. Banton smashed an explosive 73 off just 26 balls in the second Eliminator against Team Abu Dhabi, a knock studded with 9 towering sixes that left the crowd in awe.

Skipper Rovman Powell added a late flourish with an unbeaten 20 off just 6 balls, helping the Bulls register the season’s highest score—158/3 in 10 overs—setting an imposing target for the hosts.

Chasing 159, Team Abu Dhabi struggled under the mounting asking rate. Pakistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi and Salman Irshad delivered a disciplined bowling display, stifling England’s Jonny Bairstow and limiting his impact. Despite Leus du Plooy’s fiery cameo of 32 off 12 balls, Team Abu Dhabi fell short, managing only 116/7, losing by a hefty 42 runs.

Earlier in the day, the Bulls extended their tournament run by eliminating UP Nawabs in the first Eliminator. Banton starred again, smashing an unbeaten 50 off 22 balls to chase down a modest 100-run target in just 7.1 overs. Bowlers Muhammad Rohid and Fazalhaq Farooqi were instrumental in restricting the Nawabs to 99/7, paving the way for an emphatic 8-wicket victory.

With back-to-back dominant performances, Delhi Bulls remain in the hunt for their maiden Abu Dhabi T10 title.

28th November 2024: The Delhi Bulls stormed to a decisive victory over the Chennai Brave Jaguars, propelled by a stellar all-round performance from Shadab Khan and a bowling masterclass by local UAE talent Muhammad Rohid. The Jaguars set a modest target of 98 runs in 10 overs, a score the Bulls charged down with precision to secure a commanding six-wicket win.

The Chennai Brave Jaguars struggled to build momentum, with Shadab Khan’s economical 1/14 in his single over and Muhammad Rohid’s clinical 3/16 in two overs strangling their batting lineup. Rohid’s ability to find breakthroughs, including a crucial wicket off a good length delivery, kept the Jaguars’ scoring in check. The team limped to 97/5, unable to capitalize on key moments against the Bulls’ disciplined attack.

In response, the Bulls launched their chase with authority. Openers James Vince and Tom Banton stitched together a blazing 74-run partnership, setting a solid foundation. Vince smashed 42 off 19 balls, with five fours and a six, showcasing control and precision. Banton chipped in with a quick 30 off 16, including three fours and a six. Despite a brief hiccup with a couple of quick dismissals, the Bulls’ composure remained unshaken.

It was Shadab Khan who sealed the deal, smashing an unbeaten 20 off just six deliveries to wrap up the chase in style. His finishing flair ensured the Bulls hunted down the low target with ease, further underlining their dominance.

The match was a testament to the Bulls’ strength in both departments, with Muhammad Rohid’s breakout bowling spell and Shadab Khan’s all-round brilliance stealing the spotlight. The Jaguars’ total, akin to a red cloth, only incited the Bulls to charge harder and claim their resounding victory.

28th November 2024: Kusal Perera and Sunil Narine get New York Strikers back to winning ways

Kusal Perera scripted the joint-fastest half century in Abu Dhabi T10 history, recording a 15-ball half century for New York Strikers to help his side get a massive win in Abu Dhabi T10 on Sunday at Zayed Cricket Stadium. Chasing 112, the left-handed Sri Lankan batter smashed an unbeaten 74 runs in 27 balls with 6 fours and 7 sixes in his innings.

It was a one-man show from Perera who started attacking bowling attack from the first itself, not allowing any respite. Supported on the other end by Pakistan’s Asif Ali, Perera finished off the chase in just 7.5 overs, as Strikers won the match by 9 wickets.

Earlier, Northern Warriors rode on an unbeaten 46 off 17 balls from Sherfane Rutherford to post a decent total of 111/3 in 10 overs on a slow surface. Finn Allen contributed with 30 off 15 balls. New York Strikers skipper and spinner Sunil Narine was the pick of the bowler, leading the team from the front by getting two wickets while only giving away 16 runs in his two overs.