The 2025 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 reached a dramatic conclusion on Sunday night at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, where the UAE Bulls delivered a performance of complete authority to claim their first ever T10 championship.
In a final that promised fireworks, the Bulls outclassed the Aspin Stallions by a massive margin of 80 runs, a victory that reflected both their ruthless intent and their unmatched cohesion throughout the tournament.
The star of the night, and arguably the entire season, was Tim David. His extraordinary unbeaten 98 off only 30 deliveries turned the final into a spectacle of power hitting, timing, and confidence. It was an innings that did not simply steer the Bulls to a winning total, but one that crushed the opposition’s spirit long before the chase even began. His effort is already being hailed as one of the finest knocks played in the history of the T10 format.
How The Bulls Set Up a Mammoth Total
The Bulls were put into bat under lights, and their innings started far from ideal. Opener Phil Salt attempted to accelerate early but could only manage 18 before falling. The situation worsened when James Vince was forced to retire hurt without facing a ball.
At one stage, with only 22 runs on the board and uncertainty clouding their start, the Bulls looked vulnerable. The Stallions sensed an opening, but what followed completely flipped the narrative of the match.
Tim David walked in with the scoreboard stuck in first gear. Rovman Powell joined him shortly after, and together the pair sparked a remarkable transformation. Powell initially played the steady hand, rotating the strike and giving David the space to find his rhythm.
Once David connected cleanly with his first few hits, the onslaught became unstoppable. Boundaries arrived relentlessly, and the Stallions’ bowlers found no real answers as the pressure grew with every passing ball.
David’s innings consisted of 3 fours and an astonishing 12 sixes, each hit more commanding than the last. His strike rate soared above 325, a number that encapsulates the sheer brutality of his assault.
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The highlight of the innings came in the final over, where he plundered 32 runs, lifting the Bulls to a towering total of 150 for 1 in just 10 overs. Powell’s contribution of 24 runs from 20 balls may appear overshadowed, but his role in steadying the middle overs and allowing David to unleash freely was crucial.
The total of 150 was not only the highest of the tournament but also one of the most intimidating ever posted in a T10 final.
Stallions Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing 151 in 60 balls is a daunting task for any batting unit, but the pressure of a final multiplies it significantly. For the Aspin Stallions, the challenge quickly turned into an uphill battle. The Bulls entered the field with confidence, clarity, and a clear plan to choke the chase before it could gain momentum.
The Stallions’ top order crumbled early under disciplined bowling. Junaid Siddique struck in his first over, breaking the opening stand and immediately shifting the momentum. Iftikhar Ahmed bowled tight lines, denying any easy scoring opportunities in the powerplay. The pressure led to mistimed shots and hesitant running between the wickets, further derailing the chase.
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s pace variations added another layer of difficulty. His ability to swing the new ball and then switch to cutters made scoring nearly impossible. Qais Ahmad contributed with clever leg spin and stump-to-stump accuracy. The Stallions were restricted to only 70 for 4, a total that demonstrated just how comprehensively they had been outplayed.
Awards and Tournament Honours
The tournament awards reflected the dominance of the UAE Bulls and individual brilliance across other teams.
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Player of the Tournament | Tim David (UAE Bulls) |
| Batter of the Tournament | Tim David (UAE Bulls) |
| Bowler of the Tournament | Andrew Tye (Vista Riders) |
| UAE Player of the Tournament | Junaid Siddique (UAE Bulls) |
David’s double honours were inevitable after his season-defining performances. Siddique’s consistency with the ball made him the top UAE performer. Tye’s clever variations and wicket-taking ability ensured recognition despite his team not reaching the final.
Prize Money Breakdown
The Abu Dhabi T10 awarded significant prize money to the top finishing teams.
• UAE Bulls (Champions): 100,000 USD
• Aspin Stallions (Runners-up): 50,000 USD
• Third Place Team: 25,000 USD
In Indian currency, the champions earned roughly 89.3 lakh rupees. The runners-up pocketed about 44.6 lakh rupees, while the third-place team received approximately 22.3 lakh rupees.
T10 League Winners List (2017 – 2025)
| Season | Winner Name | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Kerala Kings | Punjabi Legends |
| 2018 | Northern Warriors | Pakhtoons |
| 2019 | Maratha Arabians | Deccan Gladiators |
| 2021 | Northern Warriors | Delhi Bulls |
| 2022 | Deccan Gladiators | New York Strikers |
| 2023 | New York Strikers | Deccan Gladiators |
| 2024 | Deccan Gladiators | Morrisville Samp Army |
| 2025 | UAE Bulls | Aspin Stallion |
What This Victory Means for the UAE Bulls
This title marks a historic milestone for the UAE Bulls. After coming close in previous editions, the breakthrough finally arrived in a season where every part of their squad clicked at the right moments. The batting unit revolved around explosive power hitters. The bowling attack combined discipline with variety. The fielding unit was sharp and energetic.
Moreover, the victory brings a surge of confidence to the franchise and serves as a platform on which they can build future success. In a format as unpredictable and fast-paced as T10 cricket, consistency is rare. Yet the Bulls managed to deliver it throughout the campaign.
A Final to Remember
The 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 final will be remembered not only for the scale of the victory but also for Tim David’s iconic performance. His knock was a reminder of how dramatically the shortest format of cricket can shift within minutes. One player, one over, or one partnership can completely reshape the outcome.
The UAE Bulls walked into the final with hunger, resilience, and belief. They walked out as champions after producing one of the most commanding performances in tournament history. The night belonged to them, and the title is now theirs to celebrate.
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