The newly inducted USA-based franchise New York Strikers stormed into the playoff rounds of ADT10 Season 6 with six wins in seven games. Captained by the legendary Kieron Pollard, New York Strikers finished top of the table with 12 points after a convincing win against Team Abu Dhabi.
Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz played a crucial hand in the win, bagging three wickets for four runs in his two overs. Riaz, a veteran of many international matches, has been one of the pillars of strength for the Strikers.
While speaking after the last league match, which earned him the Player of the Match award, Riaz said, “It was a great team effort and we’ve been doing well so far in the tournament. We had a good start and the bowlers bowled well and Tom Hartley too did quite well. Everyone chipped in when needed, and that’s how teams work.”
The Strikers’ bowling attack was on fire, with Riaz picking three wickets, while Tom Hartley and Rashid Khan took two each. Jordan Thompson also picked a wicket as Team Abu Dhabi were restricted to 78 in their quota of 10 overs.
“Finishing top of the table is always the first aim, and then qualifying for the playoffs, and not just that having two shots at the final is always good. But all that’s done, counts for nothing as now we’ll be judged for what we do tomorrow. We continue to rally and stick to the basics and see what happens tomorrow,” added Riaz.
Looking ahead to the next match, where the New York Strikers will take on the Morrisville SAMP Army in Qualifier 1, Riaz said, “It’s going to be a new day and a new challenge, so you have to be up to the mark. So, we just have to be prepared for that and work towards that.”
Meanwhile, skipper Pollard had a message for the fans, saying, “Keep supporting us and we will continue to do our best in the tournament.”
While New York Strikers take on the Morrisville SAMP Army in Qualifier 1, the Eliminator will see Team Abu Dhabi and the Deccan Gladiators face off on Saturday, December 3.
