Odean Smith shines for Deccan Gladiators in Abu Dhabi T10

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (CMC):

Rovman Powell's Northern Warriors lost to top-of-the-table Deccan Gladiators as they faced off in the Abu Dhabi T10 League yesterday, with Odean Smith's unbeaten innings of 33 leading the victory for the Wahab Riaz-led side.

Gladiators put a respectable 134/5 on the board that proved too much for the defending champions Warriors who were restricted to 115/4.

Powell won the toss and chose to send in Gladiators to bat. The Warriors bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals, but a solid 39 off 19 deliveries by Tom Moores and 22 off 11 from Andre Russell in the middle order gave the Gladiators a decent launch-pad for the final overs.

Oshane Thomas managed to send both back in the eighth over but a late flurry by Smith guided Gladiators to their 134.

Warriors, the defending champions, made a solid, yet unimpressive start, with all the top four batsmen, Kennar Lewis (22 off 10 balls), Moeen Ali (22 off 12 balls), captain Powell (25 off 18 balls) and Ross Whiteley (26 not out off 13 balls), crossing their twenties.

The Gladiators bowlers, however, did well to keep it tight and ensured none of the opposition batsmen could break free.

Captain Riaz led the way, conceding just 13 runs in his allotted two overs, whilst taking out the dangerous Moeen Ali.

The Gladiators' miserly bowling ensured the required run rate kept climbing and the Northern Warriors eventually baulked despite having wickets in hand.

Deccan Gladiators are into the playoffs at the top of the standings, having the same 10 points as Team Abu Dhabi but in the lead on net run rate.

Warriors are in fifth position in the six-team tournament, on four points, just above the winless Chennai Braves.