[Watch] Philip Salt blasts 53* off 19, smashes Gulbadin Naib for 34 runs in an over in Abu Dhabi T10 League 2024 opener

England’s Philip Salt displayed exceptional form, smashing a brilliant fifty for Team Abu Dhabi in the opening game of the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10 League against Ajman Bolts. The match was held on Thursday, November 21, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in the UAE.

Chasing a target of 80, Jason Behrendorff gave the Bolts an early breakthrough by dismissing Paul Stirling for a golden duck in the first over. Team Abu Dhabi were 41 for 1 after four overs, before Philip Salt went on the attack in the fifth. He launched back-to-back sixes to mid-wicket off Gulbadin Naib, followed by a boundary to long-on on the third ball.

Salt wasn't finished yet, hitting three consecutive sixes off the last three balls—two to long-on and one to long-off—taking the total to 34 runs from the over.

Here’s a video of the carnival:

The English pair of Philip Salt and Jonny Bairstow put together an unbroken stand of 78 runs off 28 balls to guide Team Abu Dhabi to victory.

Salt finished on 53* off 19 balls, with two boundaries and six sixes, while Bairstow remained 22* off 14 balls, including four boundaries. Team Abu Dhabi won by nine wickets, reaching the target with 26 balls to spare.

A brilliant bowling effort helps Abu Dhabi restrict Ajman Bolts to a low total

Team Abu Dhabi won the toss and chose to bowl first. Experienced players Alex Hales (5), Gulbadin Naib (3), James Neesham (1), and captain Mohammad Nabi (4) all struggled to make an impact. However, opener Shevon Daniel (22 off 10) and Ravi Bopara (23 off 13) played useful innings.

Abu Dhabi's bowlers were exceptional, with Mark Adair, Zeeshan Naseer, and Kadeem Alleyne claiming two wickets each, while Rumman Raees and Kyle Mayers took one wicket apiece. Ajman Bolts were restricted to 79/8 in their allotted 10 overs.