Inside the Ajman Titans’ triumph: Stories of the heroes who made it happen

By K.R. Nayar

Abu Dhabi.  The story below is about a willow swinging and yorkers singing that led to Ajman Titan’s victory in the Abu Dhabi T10. Titans’ skipper Moeen Ali celebrated his team’s triumph in the Abu Dhabi T10 with a calm smile that wonderfully masked the fierce blaze of aggression simmering beneath. 

Skipper Moeen Ali... calm off the field and aggressive at the crease 

Speaking to this reporter right after his breathtaking unbeaten 33 off just eight balls, a knock that exploded with three consecutive sixes, a boundary, and yet another six, in a devastating spree of five deliveries, I asked him whether this innings was a message to rival teams that his Titans had returned to full power. Moeen, ever composed even in the aftermath of fireworks, simply replied: “Not really, but a win is a win. We have the capabilities to win as we have some very good players in the team. I thought we played well in the earlier (two) matches too but did not get a win under our belt. So this win will give us the momentum.” That calmness is the signature of a champion—a lion that never needs to roar to prove he is one.

Moeen may not possess the savage look of a destroyer at the crease, but once the bowler releases the ball, the magic happens. The timing with which he trusts his strokes, the ease with which he sends even quality deliveries soaring over the ropes, and the authority with which he turns pressure into opportunity, make him a pleasure to watch. 

From three matches, he has already hammered 11 sixes and seven boundaries. Two of those knocks remained unbeaten, and he has a half century under his belt. I have had the privilege of reporting many of Moeen’s glittering innings in international cricket as well as franchise leagues across the world, but never had the chance until now to draw close enough to understand the calm, thoughtful man behind the bold blade. I have watched him walk off after his last ODI at Eden Gardens in the 2023 ICC World Cup against Pakistan and also covered his last T20 International in the 2024 T20 World Cup in Providence, West Indies. Today, though, I was fortunate to witness the man and the mindset up close.

A double captain's knock 

Moeen entered the England side as an off-spinner but chiselled himself with dedication and patience into a dependable all-rounder. Affectionately known as “the beard that’s feared,” his willow continues to strike fear in opposition dressing rooms. South African left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, representing the Warriors, would surely nod in agreement after watching four sixes and a boundary fly off his over. Jason Holder of Quetta Qavalry, who was struck for two thunderous back-to-back sixes, and Ali Naseer, taken apart for three towering maximums, will know exactly how destructive that calm looking man can be.

Hat-trick hero

There was equal joy on the other side of the dressing room, where Ajman’s young pace sensation Zaman Khan—the hat-trick man—was glowing with satisfaction. When asked about his spell, Zaman said: “I was looking forward to play in this tournament. In the first two matches my opportunity did not come. I was confident that when I get my chance I will surely perform.” His voice carried both relief and hunger—the sound of a young fast bowler finally showing what he always believed he could.

Zaman Khan hogs the limelight. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

Zaman has been sweating through intense practice sessions, fine-tuning his yorkers and drilling the importance of hitting the right lengths and areas. “I was working on my yorkers and to hit at the right areas. When I got a wicket off the first ball of the match, I felt so confident. I am so happy to have produced such a show in such a popular tournament,” he said with pride. At just 24, and not having played for Pakistan since April 2024, Zaman’s venomous yorkers—already compared to the legendary Lasith Malinga—have been the cornerstone of Lahore Qalandars’ back-to-back Pakistan Super League titles in 2022 and 2023. Today, he stretched his influence to Abu Dhabi as well.

Coach Mickey Arthur - who planned the win  

When asked if this was his first ever hat-trick, he smiled: “It was my first hat-trick and that too to do it in such a top tournament makes me very happy. This has also provided me the confidence to keep performing in such a manner in the coming matches. I am happy that I am being given chances to play with the top players and top teams. We are a good team with excellent batters and bowlers and we hope to keep winning.” His words were wrapped in gratitude, excitement and the burning belief that many more such nights are waiting for him.

Operation success. Gopal Jasapara,Ajman Titans Operations Manager who translated Zaman Khan's Urdu to English during the official presentation 

Ajman Titans’ master strategist and coach Mickey Arthur—who planned the win and watched the execution unfold ball by ball—was visibly pleased. When asked about the victory, he said: “The execution was excellent. The boys showed the hunger to perform and win. We are looking forward to a similar show in the other matches.” A short sentence, but when Arthur says “hunger,” you know it’s not just about winning a match—it’s about setting the tone for the tournament.