Ajman Titans geared up for a winning start in the Abu Dhabi T10

By K.R. Nayar

Abu Dhabi.  A winning start is exactly what the Ajman Titans will want when they step out for their opening clash of the Abu Dhabi T10 at the majestic Abu Dhabi Zayed Cricket Stadium. At 9.30pm on Wednesday, November 19, in the final match of the three scheduled for the second day, Ajman will lock horns with Quetta Cavalry. The contest carries a special thrill — it marks Ajman’s debut in this electrifying format, though many of their star players have already stamped their authority in the past editions. With a powerhouse squad of quality cricketers and a seasoned support staff, Ajman enters the tournament as one of the hardest teams to bring down.

Mickey Arthur and Moeen Ali plan their strategy 

Moeen Ali, Ajman’s inspirational skipper, strides in with confidence, both in his batting mastery and his calm, commanding leadership. He has meticulously mapped out how his side should approach and conquer games. With Mickey Arthur—one of cricket’s sharpest tactical minds—guiding the squad, Ajman will lack nothing in strategy or foresight. In T10 cricket, outcomes may be unpredictable, but performances never hide. One fiery spell or one whirlwind knock can tilt the match in a heartbeat, and Ajman possesses plenty of match-winners capable of doing just that.

Gopal Jasapara, Operations Manager with Rilee Rossuw

Their professional mindset was clear from day one. Ajman played a warm-up match against UAE Bulls and came out victorious by eight runs. Add to that a focused training session and yet another pre-match practice slot, and it is clear this team leaves no stone unturned. Their strength lies in their versatility — a sharp blend of proven T10 hitters and bowlers, whether pacers or spinners, who pride themselves on accuracy and economy.

Among them shines Rilee Rossouw, a familiar force at this venue, where he has piled on runs with ease. A veteran of global leagues — Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Quetta Gladiators, Delhi Capitals, Delhi Bulls, Deccan Gladiators and more — Rossouw brings firepower and experience. During an interview with this writer in 2018, he’d revealed how legends shaped him: Viv Richards, the iconic destroyer of bowling attacks, and Moeen Ali — his current captain — both have played a role in sharpening his mindset. He summed up his mantra beautifully: “I just try and play ball by ball. I don’t put too much pressure on myself. I believe if I prepare well, my executions will be good on the day.”

My interview with Rilee Rossouw in 2018

Moeen Ali, deeply attuned to the rhythm of this fast-paced format, heaped praise on the organisers for elevating the Abu Dhabi T10. His words at the press conference reflected pride and excitement. “The UAE has truly become a global cricket hub, and tournaments like the Abu Dhabi T10 are a perfect example of that. The facilities are world-class, and the passion for the sport grows every year. It’s exciting to be part of something that’s putting UAE cricket on the map and drawing top players from around the world.” He also applauded his support staff, led by David East, CEO, and Gopal Jasapara, Operations Manager, for their professionalism.

Piyush Chawla and Moeen Ali ... the stars set to sparkle. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

Ajman’s bowling gets a mighty lift from Piyush Chawla, one of India’s most respected leg-spinners. A World Cup winner in both 2007 and 2011, Chawla walks into the squad with a reputation for rising on big occasions. His recent stint at the Canada Super 60 in Vancouver saw him guide Brampton Blitz to the title, overcoming Montreal Royal Tigers, captained by Shakib Al Hasan. His presence alone boosts Ajman’s confidence.

Alex Hales examines his new bat closely. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

Then comes Alex Hales — a man who can single-handedly demolish bowling attacks. Fresh from lighting up the Canada Super 60 with scores of an unbeaten 86 off 31 balls (eight fours, eight sixes) and a blazing 60 off 21 (three fours, seven sixes) for Toronto Sixers, Hales enters the Abu Dhabi T10 in red-hot form. If he finds his rhythm, bowlers may well be searching for shelter.

Dan Lawrence arrives after hammering runs for Surrey in the County Championship, including a recent half-century against Nottinghamshire, and has been making waves in the Men’s 100 as well. Will Smeed, just 24, remains a thrilling young gun — the first to score a century in the Hundred at the age of 20. Aneurin Donald too has been in touch, with a recent County half-century for Derbyshire against Kent, but his most unforgettable moment remains his blistering 13-ball half-century in the Vitality T20 Blast against Yorkshire in July 2025 — a reminder of the damage he can inflict in T10.

Ajman Titans... the purple line-up 

The UAE contingent adds powerful balance. Skipper Alishan Sharafu and Asif Khan have been striking the ball beautifully, while bowlers Haider Ali, and pacers Wasim Akram and Akif Javed, have been in peak form. Their familiarity with conditions will be priceless.

Yours Sincerely steps into  the team bus for more updates on the team 

The pace attack becomes even deadlier with the inclusion of Jason Behrendorff, Australia’s skilled left-arm seamer. His unforgettable spell of 4 for 21 on his T20I debut in India in October 2017 — removing Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Manish Pandey — still echoes in cricketing memory. With Tom Aspinwall, Chris Green and Joe Clarke completing the squad, the Ajman Titans truly live up to their name — titans ready to shake the tournament. The match will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network.