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Vista Riders captain Sreesanth rolled back the years with a match-turning opening spell, guiding his side to a hard-fought six-run victory over the Aspin Stallions in the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 on Saturday night. Defending 84/9, the Riders struck early through the 43-year-old pacer, who removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Avishka Fernando in the very first over to seize control of the chase.

The win marked Vista’s second victory in three matches, pushing them level on points with the Northern Warriors, whom they face next on Sunday night, and with a game in hand.

Sreesanth, who finished with figures of 2 for 2 in his opening over, credited senior leaders Faf du Plessis and head coach Vijay Dahiya for tactical advice that inspired his spell.

“They told me to try my slow outswing again, and that gave me confidence,” Sreesanth said. 

“I want to improve my fitness, and next year I will be even better. As long as T10 is around, I am around.”

Taking up the captaincy mantle in the high-intensity T10 arena, Sreesanth spoke about his leadership approach, emphasising belief and intent.

“A captain is a leader who just pushes the team to believe in themselves. All formats are just about one ball at a time. I am doing nothing extra, just asking them to keep their josh high.”

He also praised tournament founder Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of Mulk Holdings and T10 Global Sports, for sustaining cricket’s fastest format.

“T10 is the best and fastest format. To play even at this age, it is for both my kids and my family that they are pushing me.”

The former India star dedicated his Player of the Match performance to his son on his ninth birthday.

“I am 43 years old. If I can do it, anybody can do it. This one is for him.”

Vista Riders now turn their attention to Sunday’s showdown against the Northern Warriors, as the race for early momentum tightens.