Deccan Gladiators players celebrate their win. — X
Deccan Gladiators delivered an outstanding performance to secure the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10 title, achieving a commanding eight-wicket victory over Morrisville Samp Army in the final at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Sunday. This marks the Gladiators' third T10 championship, following their victories in the 2021 and 2022 editions. The Gladiators also finished as runners-up last season. However, on Sunday, Morrisville Samp Army was unable to counter the Gladiators' brilliance in the final, as the latter swiftly reached the target of 105 in just 6.5 overs, losing only two wickets. Opener Tom Kohler-Cadmore (56 not out off 21 balls, five fours and four sixes) was the standout performer with the bat, while captain Nicholas Pooran contributed 28 off 10 balls. Earlier, the Gladiators restricted Morrisville Samp Army to 104 for seven in 10 overs, despite South African star Faf du Plessis' 23-ball 34. Richard Gleeson was the most effective bowler for the winners, taking two wickets for 16 runs in his two overs. Morrisville Samp Army had previously secured their place in the final with a five-wicket win over the Delhi Bulls in Qualifier 2. Chasing a total of 90, USA international Andries Gous faced pressure from the Delhi Bulls' bowling attack but held firm to set up the win for his side, contributing a crucial 38-run knock. The right-handed batter continued despite wickets falling at the other end and maintained his composure after being struck on the helmet by Pakistan fast bowler Salman Irshad. However, the game shifted when Irshad took two consecutive wickets of Gous and Karim Janat, leaving Samp Army in a challenging position, needing 30 runs to win in three overs with just five wickets remaining. England's Jack Taylor and Pakistan's experienced batter Imad Wasim ensured they kept the scoreboard moving. After settling in with a few deliveries, the two players began hitting boundaries and finished the chase in style with three balls to spare. Taylor's unbeaten 23 off 11 balls was enough to secure Morrisville's place in the final as they won the match by five wickets. Earlier, Delhi Bulls were undone by a superb bowling performance from Samp Army, with Sri Lankan international Isuru Udana and Afghanistan spinner Amir Hamza combining to dismantle the Bulls' strong batting lineup. Udana took three wickets for 17 runs in his two overs, while Hamza took two wickets for 22 runs. The left-arm pacer was also named man of the match for his efforts. Samp Army restricted the Bulls to 89/7 in 10 overs, setting up an easy chase, which they comfortably completed with five balls to spare.
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