Deccan Gladiators Clinch Third Abu Dhabi T10 Title with Explosive Chase

The 2024 Abu Dhabi T10 League Final lived up to its billing as a thrilling spectacle, with the Deccan Gladiators storming to their third title by defeating Morrisville Samp Army by eight wickets at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Chasing 105, the Gladiators got off to a sensational start thanks to opener Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who unleashed a flurry of boundaries, hitting four consecutive fours off Samp Army skipper Rohan Mustafa in the first over. Captain Nicholas Pooran joined the onslaught, smashing a quickfire 28 off 10 balls, including a dominant show against Imad Wasim, as the Gladiators raced past the 50-run mark in no time.

Pooran’s dismissal, courtesy of a stunning catch by Mustafa off Isuru Udana, did little to halt the Gladiators’ momentum. Kohler-Cadmore continued his aggressive display, bringing up his half-century and ensuring the target was achieved with 20 balls to spare.

Earlier in the match, Morrisville Samp Army struggled to find rhythm, losing wickets regularly to be reduced to 81/5. Contributions from Faf du Plessis (34 off 23) and a late burst from Karim Janat (16 off 8) helped them post 104/7. Andries Gous chipped in with a handy 21 off 9 balls. The Gladiators’ bowling unit, led by Richard Gleeson (2/16 in 2 overs), kept the Samp Army batters in check.

Adding to the entertainment, the event featured a speech by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, during the innings break, followed by a mesmerizing performance by Elnaaz Norouzi, elevating the finale’s festive atmosphere.

Key Performances:

• Tom Kohler-Cadmore: 51* (21 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes)
• Nicholas Pooran: 28 (10 balls, 2 fours, 3 sixes)
• Richard Gleeson: 2/16 in 2 overs
• Faf du Plessis: 34 (23 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes)
• Karim Janat: 16 (8 balls, 1 six)

Brief Scores:

• Morrisville Samp Army: 104/7 in 10 overs (Faf du Plessis 34, Andries Gous 21; Richard Gleeson 2/16)
• Deccan Gladiators: 105/2 in 6.3 overs (Tom Kohler-Cadmore 51*, Nicholas Pooran 28; Isuru Udana 1/10)
• Result: Deccan Gladiators won by 8 wickets.

Gladiators’ Milestone:
This victory marks the third Abu Dhabi T10 title for the Deccan Gladiators, reinforcing their dominance in the tournament’s history.