*30th November 2024:* Delhi Bulls booked themselves a spot in the playoffs of the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10 despite losing to Deccan Gladiators by 3 runs in a thrilling contest at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday. After winning the toss and electing to bat, skipper Nicholas Pooran looked in good touch, scoring 28 runs in 12 balls to give his side a fiery start. But Afghanistan speedster Fazalhaq Farooqui and Pakistan fast bowler Salman Irshad combined to dismantle Deccan fierce batting order, and controlled the flow of runs.

Irshad took two crucial wickets of Rilee Rossouw and Jos Buttler and put his side in control. In 10 overs, Deccan could only muster a total of 102/5.

Chasing the total, the openers Tom Banton and James Vince took the onus on themselves and stitched a 51-run stand for the opening wicket. But after Banton was dismissed for 29, Delhi suffered a middle-order collapse with Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq and South African pacer Anrich Nortje picking up five between themselves. Despite late heroics from Australia’s Tim David, who scored 30* off 14 balls, Delhi fell short of the target, but did enough to finish fifth in the table. UAE speedster Zahoor Khan, who gave away 16 runs his first over, composed himself and bowled a fantastic final over to contain David, and proved to be the game changer.

30th November, 2024: Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad has said that the T10 format is a fast-paced form of the game but bowling in the right areas can help the bowlers get success. 

“It’s the fastest format of the game and you have to bowl in right areas. Moreover, it’s about focusing on your job and not worry about the outcome. I personally concentrate on my bowling and hitting the right lines and lengths,” Noor who is playing 2024 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament taking place at Zayed cricket Stadium, said.