The Deccan Gladiators stormed to their second Abu Dhabi T10 title in three years with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Morrisville Samp Army in the final.
Chasing a modest target of 105, Gladiators raced to the target in just 6.5 overs, thanks to blistering knocks from Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Nicholas Pooran. Kohler-Cadmore remained unbeaten on 56 off 21 balls, while Pooran contributed a quickfire 28 from just 10 deliveries.
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Earlier, Morrisville Samp Army, after opting to bat first, struggled to gain momentum. Maheesh Theekshana gave Gladiators an early breakthrough, dismissing Sharjeel Khan for 5. Charith Asalanka was run out, and the Samp Army’s middle order could not capitalize on the good start from Andries Gous (21 off 9) and Faf du Plessis (34 off 23). Gladiators tightened the noose, picking up four quick wickets for just six runs to restrict Samp Army to 104 for 7. Richard Gleeson was the standout bowler for the Gladiators, taking 2 for 16 in his two overs.
In reply, Kohler-Cadmore quickly took control, hitting Rohan Mustafa for four consecutive fours in the opening over. Pooran followed with a flurry of boundaries, including two sixes and a four off Imad Wasim. The Gladiators crossed the 50-mark in just 2.4 overs, setting the tone for the chase.
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Though Isuru Udana dismissed Pooran, Rilee Rossouw continued the charge, hitting three fours off his first four balls. Kohler-Cadmore then blasted Qais Ahmed for 25 runs in the fifth over, bringing the Gladiators within touching distance of victory. Kohler-Cadmore’s half-century came off just 17 balls, and Jos Buttler sealed the win with a six off Qais.
Kohler-Cadmore’s performance was key throughout the tournament, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 278 runs at a strike rate of 198.57, including three fifties.
