A power-packed performance by Team Abu Dhabi skipper Phil Salt set the tone for Season 8 of the Abu Dhabi T10 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Salt smashed a fiery 52 off 18 balls, guiding his side to a commanding nine-wicket victory over the debutant franchise, Ajman Bolts, in a thrilling start to the tournament.
A Spirited Start to the Season
The opening day festivities began with players uniting to sing the UAE national anthem, followed by an inspiring address from Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of T Ten Global Sports. Highlighting the league’s global journey over the past decade, he emphasized the format’s growing impact and its potential to excite cricket fans worldwide.
Ajman Bolts Struggle Against Team Abu Dhabi Bowlers
Ajman Bolts, batting first, showed early promise thanks to young Sri Lankan talent Shevon Daniel, whose aggressive start briefly put Team Abu Dhabi under pressure. However, pacers Mark Adair and Zeeshan Naseer effectively exploited short-pitched deliveries to disrupt the Bolts’ top order.
Veteran Ravi Bopara held the innings together with some resistance, but Team Abu Dhabi’s Kadeem Alleyne turned the game with a two-wicket burst. With momentum slipping away, Ajman Bolts stumbled to a modest total of 79/8 in 10 overs.
Salt Takes Charge in the Chase
Chasing 80, Team Abu Dhabi faced an early blow as Paul Stirling fell for a golden duck, miscuing a shot to cover on the first ball. However, Salt and Jonny Bairstow soon steadied the ship, forming a match-winning partnership.
Salt unleashed his trademark power-hitting, smashing six sixes and two fours to notch up a scintillating 17-ball half-century. Bairstow played the perfect foil, contributing an unbeaten 22 off 14 balls and hitting the winning runs as Team Abu Dhabi wrapped up the chase in style with 32 balls to spare.
Brief Scores
Ajman Bolts: 79/8 in 10 overs (Shevon Daniel 24; Kadeem Alleyne 2-10)
Team Abu Dhabi: 80/1 in 4.4 overs (Phil Salt 52*, Jonny Bairstow 22*)
Result: Team Abu Dhabi won by 9 wickets
Leave a Reply