Akeal Hosein, Chamika Karunaratne star as Delhi Bulls post lowest total in Abu Dhabi T10 history

In a stunning display of bowling prowess, Akeal Hosein and Chamika Karunaratne orchestrated the downfall of Delhi Bulls, setting a new low score in Abu Dhabi T10 history. The New York Strikers emerged victorious by a substantial margin of 67 runs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on December 4th, 2023.

The Strikers’ triumph was underpinned by their bowlers who skittled out the Bulls for a meager 31 runs in just 9.3 overs, eclipsing the previous record low of 46 set by Northern Warriors against the Qalandars in 2019.

Despite being restricted to 98 for 4 in their allotted 10 overs, the Strikers’ batting had moments of brilliance. Rahmanullah Gurbaz led the charge with an unbeaten 49 from 24 balls, including two boundaries and five sixes. Odean Smith provided able support with an undefeated 25 off 15 balls, contributing to a crucial unbroken fifth-wicket partnership that added 67 runs in just 27 balls.

The Bulls, who had enjoyed a strong start to the tournament with three consecutive wins, found themselves in disarray. Their decision to bowl first after winning the toss did not pan out as planned. Fazalhaq Farooqi delivered a tight opening over, but the Strikers soon found their rhythm. Mark Deyal and Gurbaz got the innings going before Deyal was caught off Naveen-ul-Haq’s bowling. Wasim Akram then struck twice in the third over, removing Muhammad Waseem and Kusal Perera cheaply.

As the innings progressed, the Strikers struggled to accelerate, but Gurbaz’s steady hand and Smith’s late flourish propelled them to a defendable total. Despite falling short of the 100-run mark, the Strikers’ bowlers more than compensated with a clinical performance.

The Bulls’ chase was calamitous from the outset. Hosein’s left-arm spin wreaked havoc, claiming the wickets of Johnson Charles and James Vince in quick succession. Mohammad Amir continued the assault, dismissing Rilee Rossouw, leaving the Bulls reeling. Hosein and Karunaratne continued to slice through the batting lineup, with Karunaratne’s fifth over proving particularly devastating as he claimed the wickets of Quinton de Kock, Rovman Powell, and Dwayne Bravo.

With the scoreboard reflecting a dismal 15 for 7, the end seemed near for the Bulls. Sunil Narine and Muhammad Jawadullah joined the party, taking wickets and stifling any hope of a Bulls’ comeback. Ravi Bopara’s lone stand of 16 was the only double-digit score in an otherwise bleak batting card for the Bulls.

The Strikers’ comprehensive win not only etched a new low for the Bulls but also catapulted them to the top of the table, displacing the Delhi side, who slipped to third place after this defeat and a previous loss to Samp Army.