CRICKET
Abu Dhabi T10 League: A real game changer
The Abu Dhabi T10 League is the shortest format of the sport that was first organized by the Emirates Cricket Board in 2017.
In. short span of 4 years, it has grabbed the imagination of cricket fans all over the world and earned its place as a viable format.
The tournament was considered an outlandish idea at first, but soon it drew the cricket fraternity’s attention due to action-packed matches.
The first season consisted of only six franchises.
The tournament comprised 13 games and got wrapped up in only four days.
The entire tournament was held at the Sharjah Cricket Ground and a majority of the cricketers were from West Indies, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Game rules
The basic rules of T10 cricket are no different to any other format apart from the over limit.
Each team gets to bat and bowl for 10 overs and the game has to be completed within 90 minutes.
Every team gets three group games after which the knockout round kicks off and the top-performing sides are promoted to the eliminators and final.
Founded by Shaji-ul-Mulk, the 10-over-a-side competition was sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the franchises met all requirements of the sport’s highest body.
List of franchises as of 2021
| Team | Captain |
| Bangla Tigers | Andre Fletcher |
| Deccan Gladiators | Kieron Pollard |
| Delhi Bulls | Dwayne Bravo |
| Maratha Arabians | Mosaddek Hossain |
| Northern Warriors | Nicholas Pooran |
| Pune Devils | Nasir Hossain |
| Qalandars | Sohail Akhtar |
| Team Abu Dhabi | Luke Wright |
1st season – 2017
Kerala Kings won the inaugural T10 tournament by defeating Punjabi Legends in the final by eight wickets.
Punjab, which included the likes of Shoaib Malik, Carlos Brathwaite, Faheem Ashraf, Ravi Bopara, Misbah-ul-Haq, Luke Ronchi and Umar Akmal, scored 120/3 in ten overs.
Kerala Kings chased down the target with two overs to spare despite losing the first wicket early.
Ashraf dismissed Kerala opener Chadwick Wolton for a duck.
He returned to the hut after facing only one delivery. But the Kings reached the 121-target with eight wickets in hand, courtesy captain Eoin Morgan’s and Paul Stirling’s blistering half-centuries.
Key performers
Luke Ronchi
The former New Zealand wicket-keeper was the star of the first edition of the T10 league.
He was the top scorer in the final (70 off 34) as well, but lack of support from the other end couldn’t get his side through.
He struck five huge sixes and five fours while batting at the strike rate of 205. Ronchi notched a total of 197 runs in the competition.
On the other hand, Hasan Ali, Riyad Emrit and Sohail Tanvir grabbed the most wickets (five apiece) as they stood head and shoulders above other bowlers.
2nd season – 2018
The second edition witnessed the entrance of two more teams which made the tournament even more competitive.
West Indian star Rovman Powell saved his best performance for the final to win North Warrior the second Abu Dhabi T10 League.
He bagged the Player of the Match award for his 25-ball 61 against Shahid Afridi-led Pakhtoons.
His half-century and Andre Russell’s late cameo propelled the Warriors to a mammoth score of 140/3.
The Pakhtoons were 22 runs short of the run chase.
The Warriors were no less than a force to reckon with in the second edition.
They lost only one of their six games and had the best net run rate in the tournament (+3.076).
Key performers
Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran lived up to his hype throughout the tournament.
Although the Warriors skipper was dismissed for only 18 in the final, he was the season’s top scorer.
He smashed 324 runs in only six games.
Hardus Viljoen
Hardus Viljoen may not be the biggest cricket star South Africa has produced, but his addition can strengthen any bowling unit.
The right-arm fast bowler, who represented Pune Devils, was declared the Player of the Tournament for claiming 18 scalps.
No other bowler has been able to take his many wickets in the tournament’s brief history.
3rd season – 2019
Dwayne Bravo-led Maratha Arabians secured their maiden T10 title in 2019.
The Arabians overwhelmed a dangerous Deccan Gladiators by eight wickets in the final.
It was a comfortable win for Bravo’s men because Chadwick Walton was seeing the ball better than ever.
The wicket-keeper batsman struck a 26-ball 51 and carried his bat to chase down the meagre 88-run target.
Key performers
Chris Lynn
Queensland star Chris Lynn had a terrific tournament.
His 371 runs in the tournament is the highest amount of runs ever scored in the T10 league.
Lynn’s contribution to Maratha Arabians’ title win was enormous because of his consistency.
The right-handed power hitter hammered the opposition in almost every game, apart from the final where he fell for 16.
George Garton
English cricketer George Garton was the pick of the bowlers in the third T10 competition.
The Qalandars starlet inspired his team to the second spot, picking 12 wickets to his name.
An uncapped Garton did not have a very impressive resume coming into the tournament, but the left-arm pacer led Qalandars from the front in 2019.
4th season – 2021
Nicholas Pooran made history in the fourth season by becoming the only captain to lift the Abu Dhabi T10 trophy twice.
Northern Warriors won the finals with a comprehensive win over Delhi Bulls.
The Warriors first dismantled the Bulls to 81/9, then completed the run chase with 10 balls to spare.
None of the Dwane Bravo’s men stood up on the big night.
The Bulls bowlers dismissed big hitter – Sherfane Rutherford, Ravi Bopara and Evan Lewis – before they could go berserk.
Muhammad Nabi was Bull’s top scorer in the final for his 21 runs.
As for the title winners, it was Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana who delivered a match-winning performance.
The 20-year-old bowling prodigy was declared Player of the Match for his 3/14 in two overs.
Key performers
Sohail Akhtar
The T10 tournament has been a great platform for the uncapped stars to showcase their skills.
This year, it was Qalandars captain Sohail Akhtar who was the best batsman of the tournament with 248 runs.
Akhtar also leads Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League.
Jamie Overton
Jamie Overton was the highest wicket-taker of this year’s edition with 12 scalps to his name.
The uncapped County star got into the T10 tournament on the back of consistent performances for the Surrey Cricket Club.
The 27-year-old right-arm fast bowler is knocking on the England national side’s selection panel with back-to-back performances in the white-ball tournaments.
Apart from having a knack for uprooting the stumps, Overton is a reliable lower-order batsman as well.
His 38 runs off 11 won Pune Devils a game that was getting away from their reach until the Englishman walked in.
5th Season – 2021
The dates for Season 5 have been announced. It will be held from Nov 19th to Dec 4th which is great news for all the T10 fans out there!
Ravi Shastri has predicted that Virat Kohli and Steve Smith will soon reclaim their dominant form in cricket. Speaking about the performances of the current Fab Four, Shastri acknowledged that Kohli and Smith have recently struggled compared to Kane Williamson and Joe Root.
Shastri believes Virat Kohli and Smith, despite their dips, remain formidable players. He highlighted their experience, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure as key factors in their potential resurgence.
The former Indian coach emphasized the cyclical nature of sports, where even the best players face challenges. He expressed confidence in Kohli’s and Smith’s capacity to learn from setbacks and adapt their game accordingly.
Kohli’s recent performances have lacked consistency, raising questions about his form. Similarly, Smith has encountered difficulties in maintaining his usual high standards. Shastri stressed that such phases are natural for elite athletes and often lead to greater determination.
Williamson and Root currently lead the Fab Four in terms of performance and consistency. Shastri praised their recent contributions but reminded fans not to underestimate Kohli and Smith.
Shastri’s analysis underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in cricket. He pointed out that both players have a history of overcoming challenges, making their eventual comeback more likely.
Fans and experts continue to debate the dynamics of the Fab Four, with each player’s journey offering unique lessons. Kohli and Smith’s ability to bounce back will be closely watched in the coming months.
This discussion highlights the ever-evolving nature of cricket, where even legends face tough phases. Shastri’s optimism offers hope for fans eagerly anticipating Kohli’s and Smith’s return to peak form.
Ravi Ashwin has unveiled Travis Head’s strategic approach to countering Jasprit Bumrah and India’s bowling attack. During a recent discussion, Ashwin analyzed Head’s clever ploys on the field, which played a pivotal role in his performance.
According to Ravi Ashwin, Head adjusted his batting stance to disrupt Bumrah’s bowling rhythm. This minor but effective tweak allowed Head to execute his shots more confidently. Ashwin emphasized that such tactical adjustments reflect Head’s understanding of the game.
Head’s strategy involved standing outside the crease to negate Bumrah’s swing and reduce his effectiveness. This move put pressure on the Indian bowlers, forcing them to alter their lengths. Ashwin acknowledged the intelligence behind this approach, calling it a calculated risk.
Ashwin also highlighted Head’s ability to target specific bowlers, capitalizing on their weaknesses. By playing aggressively, Head shifted the momentum in his team’s favor. This strategy demonstrated his adaptability and composure under pressure.
India’s bowling unit struggled to contain Head’s counterattacking style. His approach exposed gaps in India’s plans, prompting them to reassess their strategies. Ashwin noted that such performances underscore the importance of adaptability in international cricket.
The revelation sheds light on how top players study and exploit their opponents. It also emphasizes the need for constant evolution in cricket tactics. Ashwin’s insights provide valuable lessons for players and fans, highlighting the game’s strategic depth.
Ashwin’s observations will likely influence their bowling strategies as India prepares for future matches. Understanding and countering such tactics can help teams improve their performance against aggressive players like Head.
The NPL has become a watershed moment for Nepali cricket, elevating the sport to new heights. With its success, the league has brought national and international attention to Nepali cricket, attracting a broader fan base and better sponsorships.
This landmark event showcases the immense talent present in Nepal and provides a platform for local players to shine. The league has paved the way for a new generation of cricketers to gain recognition and advance their careers in the sport.
The NPL has also given Nepali cricket more global exposure. International players joining the league help raise the level of competition, further inspiring the local players. The league’s popularity continues to grow as it evolves and promises to be a cornerstone of Nepali cricket in the years to come.
As the league progresses, it is expected to inspire future stars and increase the overall development of cricket in Nepal. Fans eagerly follow every match, enjoying the thrilling action and supporting their favorite players and teams.
In conclusion, the Nepal Premier League has transformed Nepali cricket, setting the stage for future growth. This momentous development will surely lead to even greater success for Nepali cricket on the international stage.
The NPL has also sparked interest in domestic leagues across emerging cricket nations. It serves as a model for other countries to develop their cricketing infrastructure and provide young talent. As the NPL continues to grow, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nepali cricket.
Fans have embraced the tournament, creating a sense of national pride. The NPL’s rise reflects the growing global interest in domestic cricket leagues and their role in nurturing future talent. It’s a significant milestone for Nepali cricket, ensuring that the sport will continue to evolve in the coming years.
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