Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Tim David rose like a phoenix when it mattered to help the UAE Bulls bulldoze past Aspin Stallions in securing a maiden Abu Dhabi T10 title at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Sunday night.
David’s brilliant unbeaten knock of 98 runs, with 3 fours and 12 sixes, set the stage for a massive 80-run victory in a clinical performance for the Bulls. Earlier in the day, the Bulls overcame the Quetta Qavalry in Qualifier 2.
The Australian David led the charge in the first innings, scoring at a strike rate of 326.66. This included a 32-run over off Ashmead Nedd’s bowling in the final over of the innings, taking his tally for the season to 393 runs. Though the Australian missed out on his century. Bulls finished at 150-1.
Phil Salt (18 off 8) and James Vince opened the innings for the Bulls, but the latter had to retire hurt without scoring a run after suffering an injury. Salt started the early assault on the Stallions’ bowlers, but his wicket eventually came off Hafeez-ur-Rehman’s bowling in the third over of the innings. From then on, it was David’s show. Rovman Powell (24 off 20) regularly rotated the strike to allow David to perform, as the duo set up a 128-run partnership, as well as an unassailable target for their opponents.
With a steep total to defend, the UAE Bulls kept the pressure on their opponents. Aspin Stallions lost Andre Fletcher (2 off 3) early after he retired hurt, while Sherfane Rutherford (0 off 3) lost his wicket in the second over after being bowled by Fazalhaq Farooqi (1/2). Skipper Rahmanullah Gurbaz was their highest run-getter, scoring 18 off 15 balls.
In addition to Farooqi, Junaid Siddique (1/18), Iftikhar Ahmed (1/7), and Qais Ahmad (1/14) got one wicket each. Eventually, it was a massive victory for the UAE Bulls, who kept their opponents to just 70 runs for the loss of four wickets, securing their first-ever Abu Dhabi T10 title.
David completed a standout season, winning both Batter of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament. Andrew Tye (Vista Riders) earned Bowler of the Tournament, while Junaid Siddique (UAE Bulls) was named UAE Player of the Tournament for his consistent impact.
