When it comes to chasing down totals, Andre Russell is a force to be reckoned with. Despite a slow start in his first game on Saturday for Deccan Gladiators, Russell’s late-game brilliance shattered the hopes of Moeen Ali’s Samp Army. This victory sets the stage for a blockbuster final showdown against New York Strikers on Sunday.

After Moeen’s explosive 78* off 29 deliveries set a target of 120, coach Mushtaq Ahmed took a bold decision to have Russell open the batting, despite his previous tournament performance. Russell, known for stepping up in crucial moments, delivered in spectacular fashion. His blistering 63 off 32 deliveries, followed by Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten 38 off 12, secured a thrilling victory for the Gladiators.

The Gladiators, despite finishing fourth in the league standings, have shown their resilience by winning two critical games in one night. This experience, combined with their title-defending mentality, gives them a strong sense of confidence heading into the final.

Last season, the Gladiators realized the importance of utilizing Russell’s power in the opening position. This strategic shift paid off, as Russell’s explosive 90* in the final propelled them to victory. This year, they made sure to maximize his impact from the outset.

The first qualifier saw Samp Army struggle with a modest total of 81 for 9. Akeal Hosein’s early breakthroughs set the tone, but the Strikers had to work hard for their spot in the final. Despite losing key wickets, Muhammad Waseem’s composed unbeaten 36 off 16 ensured their victory with four wickets in hand and nine balls to spare.

As the average first-innings score this season stood at 114, the packed Zayed Cricket Stadium witnessed two intense, low-scoring encounters that set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying final.