UP Nawabs and Team Abu Dhabi Strengthen Playoff Hopes in Abu Dhabi T10

The UP Nawabs secured a crucial victory over the Bangla Tigers in their final round-robin match of the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10 League, earning two vital points to bring their total to 8 points from 7 games. The match, held at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, showcased dominant performances from both bat and ball.

Batting first, the Bangla Tigers managed a modest 87/4 in 10 overs. Afghan openers Hazratullah Zazai and Mohammad Shahzad provided a steady start with a 44-run partnership. However, Zazai’s dismissal for 24 off 23 balls halted the momentum, and the Tigers struggled to recover. Pakistan’s Iftikhar Ahmed tried to accelerate with a quick 27 off 15 balls, but his efforts fell short of setting a challenging target.

UP Nawabs’ Tymal Mills was exceptional with the ball, using his variations to dismantle the Tigers’ batting order, returning with outstanding figures of 3/9 in 2 overs.

In response, the Nawabs chased the target with ease, despite losing opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz early for just 2 runs. Avishka Fernando led the charge with a blistering 36 off 16 balls, supported by Andre Fletcher’s 27 off 19. Najibullah Zadran sealed the game with a fiery 19* off 5 balls, ensuring a comfortable victory.

In another key match, Team Abu Dhabi delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Northern Warriors by 8 wickets. The Warriors struggled with the bat, managing only 73/9 in 10 overs. Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for just 13 runs in 2 overs. New Zealand’s Adam Milne contributed with two wickets, while Finn Allen was the only Warrior to show resistance, scoring 35 off 20 balls.

Team Abu Dhabi’s chase was clinical, reaching the target in under 7 overs. West Indian opener Kyle Mayers remained unbeaten with a quickfire 34 off 14 balls, ensuring the team’s playoff hopes remained alive.

With these results, the playoff race tightens. A win for Team Abu Dhabi and the Northern Warriors in their respective matches is critical to secure qualification. However, scenarios hinge on the Delhi Bulls’ performance:

• If Team Abu Dhabi loses, they still have a chance if the Delhi Bulls also lose, provided Abu Dhabi’s margin of defeat is under 15 runs.
• For the Northern Warriors to qualify, they need the Delhi Bulls to lose their game by a margin of over 112 runs.