Abu Dhabi T10 2025 Match Preview: Deccan Gladiators vs UAE Bulls

Date: Tuesday, 18th November 2025
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Start Time: 04:00 PM GMT | 09:30 PM IST | 08:00 PM Local

Match Overview

The second of two Abu Dhabi T10 fixtures on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, sees the Deccan Gladiators take on the UAE Bulls at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Both teams come into this match with contrasting forms and ambitions. The Gladiators, reigning champions of the previous season, will be eager to continue their dominance, while the UAE Bulls, having finished fifth in the group stage, are looking to make a strong statement in the tournament.

Team Form and Strengths

Deccan Gladiators

The Gladiators are one of the most consistent and successful teams in the T10 format, having won the last edition of the league. Their balanced squad features a mix of explosive batters and world-class all-rounders. With a strong net run rate and a solid top-order, they pose a real threat to any opposition.

Key Strengths:

• Batting Powerhouse: Nicholas Pooran, Marcus Stoinis, and Andre Russell provide a dynamic middle order.
• All-round Depth: Akeal Hosein, Richard Gleeson, and Jordan Thompson offer quality bowling options.
• Experience and Momentum: The Gladiators have a winning record against the UAE Bulls in recent encounters (4-1).

UAE Bulls

Despite finishing fifth in the group stage, the UAE Bulls have a well-rounded squad with several star players. They are known for their aggressive brand of cricket, with a lineup that includes some of the most explosive hitters in the game.

Key Strengths:

• Power Hitters: Phil Salt and Tim David are among the most dangerous batters in the format.
• Spin Threat: Sunil Narine and Qais Ahmad provide a potent spin attack.
• Home Advantage: Playing in the UAE, the Bulls will likely have local support and familiarity with the conditions.

Players to Watch

Deccan Gladiators

• Tom Kohler-Cadmore: The team's leading run-scorer, with a knack for anchoring the innings and accelerating at will.
• Akeal Hosein: A versatile all-rounder who has been instrumental in tight situations with both bat and ball.
• Andre Russell: The Swiss Army knife of T10 cricket, capable of changing the game in an over.

UAE Bulls

• Phil Salt: A high-octane opener with a strike rate that can dismantle the best bowling attacks.
• Sunil Narine: One of the best spinners in the T10 format, with the ability to bowl tight and take crucial wickets.
• Kieron Pollard: A match-winner with his ability to score quickly and provide late-order power.

Head-to-Head

In their recent five encounters, the Deccan Gladiators have emerged victorious in four, including a dominant performance in the 2024 edition. However, the UAE Bulls have improved significantly in the last season and are looking to break the trend.

Venue Insights

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium has historically been a batting-friendly venue, with an average first-innings score of 106.88 in the 2024 edition. The pitch tends to assist batters in the early stages, with spin coming into play in the later overs. Teams batting second have a 57.7% win rate, suggesting that chasing is often the better option.

Predictions

• Toss Winner: UAE Bulls
• Match Winner: Deccan Gladiators
• Top Batter Runs: Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Deccan), Phil Salt (UAE)
• Top Bowler Wickets: Akeal Hosein (Deccan), Salman Irshad (UAE)
• Most Sixes: Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Deccan), Phil Salt (UAE)
• Player of the Match: Tom Kohler-Cadmore
• Team Scores Batting First: Deccan Gladiators 140+, UAE Bulls 130+

Final Verdict

The match promises to be a high-octane clash between a champion side and a determined underdog. The Deccan Gladiators, with their experience and firepower, are slight favorites, but the UAE Bulls have the talent and motivation to pull off an upset. With the Sheikh Zayed Stadium set to host another thrilling T10 encounter, cricket fans can look forward to a spectacle filled with big shots, tight finishes, and standout performances.

Mark your calendars and get ready for a blockbuster T10 showdown at 04:00 PM GMT.
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