Tom Banton's blistering performances have propelled the Delhi Bulls into the second Qualifier of the Abu Dhabi T10, keeping their hopes alive for a thrilling final showdown.
Sunday saw the Bulls secure back-to-back victories at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, defeating both Team Abu Dhabi and UP Nawabs in dramatic fashion. Banton emerged as the talismanic figure in these wins, showcasing his explosive batting prowess with breathtaking displays of power hitting.
Against Team Abu Dhabi in the second Eliminator, Banton unleashed a thunderous innings, smashing 73 runs off just 26 balls. His assault included an astonishing nine sixes, setting the stage for a formidable total. The skipper, Rovman Powell, then added late fireworks with an unbeaten 20 runs off only 6 balls, guiding Delhi to a monumental 158/3 in their allotted 10 overs – the highest score of the season.
Team Abu Dhabi found themselves facing an insurmountable target. Despite losing wickets, the home side struggled to keep pace with the required run rate. The Bulls' bowling attack, spearheaded by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Salman Irshad, effectively contained Jonny Bairstow, denying him the opportunity to launch a significant counterattack. Although Leus du Plooy chipped in with a quickfire 32 off 12 balls, it proved insufficient as Team Abu Dhabi were restricted to 116/7, suffering a 42-run defeat.
Earlier in the day, Delhi Bulls had secured their place in the second Eliminator by defeating UP Nawabs in the first. Banton once again led the charge, smashing an unbeaten 50 off just 22 balls, guiding his team to victory in a dominant 8-wicket performance. The Bulls' bowling attack, with Muhammad Rohid and Farooqi leading the charge, kept UP Nawabs in check, restricting them to a modest 99/7 in their 10 overs.
With these convincing victories, Delhi Bulls have now cemented their position as serious contenders for the Abu Dhabi T10 title. Their firepower with the bat, led by Tom Banton's explosive performances, and the consistent bowling attack make them a formidable force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Qualifier.
