The New York Strikers, playing in their first Abu Dhabi T10, beat fellow debutants Morrisville Samp Army in Qualifier 1 to make the Season 6 final. They will face off against reigning champions Deccan Gladiators in a mouthwatering finale on Sunday, December 4.

The Strikers are currently on a seven-match winning streak but will look to add one more to the tally to secure their maiden ADT10 title on debut.

Speaking ahead of the title decider, West Indies and New York Strikers pacer Ravi Rampaul attributed the team’s success to the family-like atmosphere in the dressing room.

“We’re fine, we’re happy with our winning streak. In T10, you never know what can happen. So we take nothing for granted. The atmosphere in the team is very good. We all gel together like a family here. We are playing together,” stated Rampaul.

Kieron Pollard, the former West Indies white-ball captain, has led the New York Strikers by example in their maiden campaign. Alongside England’s ODI World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan, Pollard has been crucial for the USA-based franchise in key moments, especially during run chases, in Season 6.

“It’s very good to play alongside Kieron Pollard and Eoin Morgan. Morgan is a World Cup-winning captain, whereas Pollard has been my captain at Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR). It’s good to learn from them. The way they think about different field placements is important as a bowler to have in the armory,” said Rampaul while describing the duo.

Eoin Morgan’s unbeaten 35-ball 87 took the side over the line in a chase of 144 against the Northern Warriors in the league stage. In fact, Morgan ranks fourth in the top run-scorers this season, smashing 219 runs at a strike-rate of 179.50.

Meanwhile, Kieron Pollard smashed Dwayne Bravo for 20 runs in the final over to seal the game against the Delhi Bulls.

“To pick captains and the way they think is important. When you are on your own, sometimes you learn what fields to set,” added the 38-year-old pacer.

Ravi Rampaul has played a vital role in the team making the final. The Trinidad-based bowler has picked six wickets, striking once every eight deliveries. Rampaul has also mentored the Strikers’ pace-bowling battery, which includes Jordan Thompson, Wahab Riaz and youngster Matiullah Khan.

Matiullah, the 29-year-old UAE pacer, has impressed Rampaul in the ADT10 Season 6. While talking about Matiullah, Rampaul said, “There are a lot of young bowlers, but Matiullah Khan has caught my attention. He has got good pace and skill. Matiullah is one to watch out for.”

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