Northern Warriors Crush Pakhtoons To Lift T10 League Title

Northern Warriors, on Sunday, thrashed Pakhtoons by 22 to seal the T10 League in Sharjah, United Arabia Emirates.

Northern Warriors rode on their Caribbean imports Rovman Powell (61*) and Andre Russell’s (38) blazing knocks to post a big score of 140 for 3. Chris Green (2-11) and Hardus Viljoen (2-24) then starred with the ball, helping the Warriors defend the total with utmost ease.

.@nwarriorst10 – CHAMPIONS OF #T10League 2018 ?? pic.twitter.com/I6ajIkbqld

— T10 League (@T10League) December 2, 2018

A public holiday celebrating the UAE’s 47th National Day and free entry to the north stand of the ground made for a packed Sharjah stadium in full party mode.

With the stadium offering free entry to the north stand and UAE celebrating their 47th National Day, fans came in large numbers. And although the majority of them supported Shahid Afridi and Pakhtoons, it was the Caribbean flair that came out on top.

Both the teams had entered the contest on the back of an impressive group campaign where they had topped their respective groups. After that, they finished at the top two in the final league table. They first met in the  the Qualifier which Pakhtoons won by 13 runs to advance to the final. On the other hand, Warriors beat Bengal Tigers to set up the title-clash. And they did avenge their loss in the Qualifier by winning the all-important game.

Asked to bat first, Northern Warriors posted 140 for 3 from their allotted ten overs. Powell starred with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 61 from just 25 balls. The knock included eight fours and four sixes. He was ably supported  and the right-hander was ably supported by Russell (38 off 12) and Sammy (14* from 9).

As a result, Pakhtoons had to make the highest successful chase ever across T10’s two seasons to lift their maiden title. In-form Andre Fletcher got his side off to the perfect start in reply and by the halfway stage, on 62 for 1, Pakhtoons were well on course. However, he departed just 2 balls later after smacking 37. South African spinner Green gave Northern Warriors the much-needed breakthrough by removing Fletcher. Afridi’s brief knock of 17 revived the batting side’s hopes before Viljoen ended the knock.

Northern Warriors were eventually restricted to 118 for 7.