The Deccan Gladiators have once again proven their dominance in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, securing a spot in the final for the fourth consecutive year. In a thrilling Qualifier 1 match at Zayed Cricket Stadium, they convincingly defeated the previously undefeated Morrisville Samp Army.
Deccan Gladiators' commanding victory sets them up for a shot at their third championship title. Their journey to the final began with a spectacular batting performance. Captain Nicholas Pooran, the West Indies star, led the charge with an unbeaten 72 runs off just 33 balls, smashing five sixes and four boundaries. His explosive innings was complemented by England's Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who scored a half-century before being dismissed for 51 runs off 24 balls.
The Gladiators amassed a formidable total of 147 runs for the loss of only two wickets in their allotted ten overs. Facing this daunting target, Morrisville Samp Army started brightly, collecting 13 runs in the very first over. However, the momentum quickly shifted as England pacer Richard Gleeson dismissed Charith Asalanka for just one run in the second over. The Gladiators' bowling attack proved too strong for the Samp Army, causing a steady flow of wickets throughout their innings.
Jack Taylor top-scored for Morrisville Samp Army with 25 runs off 14 balls, while Andries Gous contributed 22 runs off 14. South Africa's star batter Faf du Plessis managed to score 21 runs off 10 balls, but their efforts proved insufficient against the Gladiators' relentless bowling.
Usman Tariq emerged as the most successful bowler for Deccan Gladiators, taking two wickets for 19 runs in his two overs. Richard Gleeson and David Wiese also contributed one wicket each, effectively restricting Morrisville Samp Army to a final score of 102 runs for the loss of five wickets.
Although Morrisville Samp Army suffered defeat, they are not yet eliminated from the tournament. They will now face the winner of Eliminator 2 in Qualifier 2, battling for another chance to reach the final. The Deccan Gladiators, on the other hand, have secured their place in the championship match and will await the winner of Qualifier 2 to face them on Monday.
