Kusal Perera was imperious in the Abu Dhabi T10 to equal the fastest half-century record in the competition’s history, during his time with the New York Strikers. He blasted a hurricane 74* off just 27 balls, inclusive of six 6s and 6 fours which steered them to a 9-wicket success at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
With a target of 112 in mind, Kusal Perera swung into action finishing the chase right from the first ball and it can be said that his destructive batting made the outcome look a little too easy. Kusal Perera charge was bolstered by Pakistan Asif Ali, and the Strikers finished the chase in 7.5 overs with Kusal Perera leading the charge.
Earlier, Northern Warriors had posted a commendable score of 111/3 with Sherfane Rutherford top-scoring with an unbeaten 46* off 17 balls in their 10 overs. Finn Allen also integrated 30 runs off 15 balls worth. But, it was Perera’s blitz that captivated the audience.
Sunil Narine lent notable contributions to the Strikers too, taking 2 wickets for just 16 runs in his two-over spell and together with Narine’s efforts, dug in the Warriors’ scoring. It was a fine victory as Kusal Perera powerful shot-making was prominently featured throughout as he established himself amongst the tournament’s finest players.
Delhi Bulls win
Thanks to a phenomenal all-round effort from Pakistan’s Shadab Khan and a brilliant bowling by the UAE’s Muhammad Rohid, the Delhi Bulls got a facile victory in their Abu Dhabi T10 match. The player who comes out on top is Muhammad Rohid who took 3 wickets conceding only 16 runs in his 2 overs, which completely dismantled the batting of the Chennai Brave Jaguars team. Along with Rohid, Shadab Khan bowled out the Chennai team allowing only 97 runs as they lost 5 wickets in the 10 overs, with Shadab Khan conceding only 14 runs in his single over.
With a target of 98, Delhi Bulls started quickly with James Vince and Tom Banton combining for a speedy partnership of 74 runs. Their fruitful stroke play seemed like it would give Delhi a simple victory, but a couple of quick wickets from Chennai’s bowlers turned the chase upside down. At 92/4, Delhi still needed 6 runs for victory.
It was Shadab Khan who came to the fore with bat in hand. Shadab looked steady as ever, smashing the last 20 runs from just 6 balls which included two sixes, taking his team past the finishing line with a ball in hand. Thanks to his explosive knock out and some tight bowling by Rohid and himself, the Delhi Bulls registered an important win.
An excellent all-round Shadab’s performance and targeted brilliant bowling from Rohid made the difference in a match that by nature was an easy snowfall for the Delhi Bulls as they balanced a slight mid-innings dip to finish off the match with a comfortable 6 wickets.
Witness the 1st Abu Dhabi T10- Kusal Perera who single-handedly turned the match around and made sure the Abu-Dhabi crowd was immensely entertained.