Abu Dhabi T10: Dunk credits well-balanced squad for Qalandar's dream run

Sohail Tanvir (centre) took three wickets against Maratha Arabians. (Supplied photo)

Dubai - Chasing the target, Qalandars managed to maintain their run flow despite losing wickets at regular intervals

By Team KT

Published: Tue 2 Feb 2021, 8:38 PM

Last updated: Tue 2 Feb 2021, 8:51 PM

The Qalandars continued their dream run in the Abu Dhabi T10 with a four-wicket win over Maratha Arabians in a Super League clash at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

It was another strong all-round performance from Qalandars who restricted Arabians to 101 for 5 in 10 overs despite Mohammad Hafeez’s 44 runs. Their accurate left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir picked three wickets for 22 runs.

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Chasing the target, Qalandars managed to maintain their run flow despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Through quick knocks from Sharjeel Khan (28), Sohail Akhtar (20) and Ben Dunk’s (26n.o), they sailed smoothly towards their target with 11 balls to spare.

“I think we have got a really balanced squad, we have got guys batting really well at the moment, we have got good depth in our squad,” Dunk said after the Qalandars won their fourth straight match in the tournament.

Dunk, the 33-year-old Australian wicketkeeper batsman, also hailed the effort of his team’s bowlers in the tournament.

“The guys in the bowling department are also doing a great job. Chris Jordan, Sultan (Ahmed) have been bowling really well. Everyone’s chipping in. It’s full team effort,” he said.

Dunk said the depth in their bowling attack has been the key to their success in containing the opposition batsmen.

“Each one of our bowlers has different plans. We are not predictable. And each bowler presents a different kind of challenge for the batsmen. At the moment, we are one step ahead of the batters. And hopefully, we can continue that,” Dunk said.

With the likes of Tom Banton, Sharjeel Khan and Sohail Akhtar in their batting line up, Dunk is confident of chasing down any total in the tournament.

“I would like to think so. As we can see in this format, if the opposition gets going, like someone lie Nicholas Pooran, it can be challenging. But at the moment, all our guys are in good form. So, yeah, we are going well, fingers crossed,” he said.

Brief scores:

Qalandars beat Maratha Arabians by four wickets. Maratha Arabians 101 for 5 in 20 overs (Mohammad Hafeez 44, Shoaib Malik 23, Sohail Tanvir 3 for 22) Qalandars 104 for 6 in 8.1 overs (Sharjeel Khan 28, Sohail Akhtar 20, Ben Dunk 26n.o, Yamin Ahmadzai 2 for 21)

Player of the match: Sohail Tanvir