The 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 has burst into life on November 7 with explosive batting, outstanding bowling performances and dramatic contests, as defending champions UAE Bulls, Emirates Eagles, Arabian Aces and United Tigers made their presence felt in cricket’s fastest format.

The season opened with a triple-header. Defending champions UAE Bulls took on the Yas Lions in the opening match. Following that, Royal Desert Champions faced the Emirates Eagles, before the United Tigers met newcomers Arabian Aces. 

Here’s a look at how the tournament has unfolded so far, following its kick-off on Saturday:

Fletcher and Nafay power UAE Bulls to winning start

Defending champions UAE Bulls began their title defence in style with a seven-wicket victory over Yas Lions. Chasing 121, the Bulls reached 121/3 in 9.4 overs, courtesy of Andre Fletcher’s blistering 68 off 34 deliveries, including eight fours and three sixes.

Khawaja Nafay provided excellent support with 35 off just 17 balls as the pair added 76 runs in 32 deliveries. Earlier, Yas Lions posted 120/3, with James Vince scoring 32, Karim Janat contributing an unbeaten 27 and Dasun Shanaka adding 23. Janat also impressed with the ball, claiming 2/10.

Powell’s fireworks seal Emirates Eagles victory

Emirates Eagles announced their arrival with a 16-run victory over Royal Desert Champions. Captain Rovman Powell smashed an unbeaten 41 off 16 deliveries, while Kyle Mayers scored 39 off 19. Their contributions powered the Eagles to 125/2.

Despite Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive 33 off 12 deliveries and Chris Jordan’s 27, the Champions could only manage 109/7. Trent Boult and Hardus Viljoen claimed two wickets each to strengthen the Eagles’ defence.

Hetmyer’s half-century shines despite Eagles defeat

In another contest, Shimron Hetmyer produced an unbeaten 65 off 30 balls against Yas Lions, helping Emirates Eagles post 115/4. However, the Lions chased down the target with eight balls remaining to secure a six-wicket victory.

Hetmyer credited captain Rovman Powell’s advice for shaping his approach to T10 batting, stressing that patience and giving oneself time at the crease were just as important as power-hitting. He warned against trying to overhit the ball, explaining that keeping the scoreboard moving through singles, doubles and boundaries was essential.

Walter’s breathtaking innings powers Arabian Aces

Paul Walter delivered one of the tournament’s most explosive performances, smashing an unbeaten 82 off just 29 deliveries, including nine sixes and five fours, as Arabian Aces defeated Emirates Eagles by 10 wickets.

Chasing 109, Walter and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who scored 26 not out off 12 balls, added an unbroken 110-run partnership to complete the chase in just 6.5 overs.

The performance followed Walter’s unbeaten 62 against Royal Desert Champions, taking his tally to 144 runs across two matches without being dismissed.

Walter and Kohler-Cadmore demolish Royal Desert Champions

Arabian Aces had earlier registered a nine-wicket victory over Royal Desert Champions. Phil Salt’s 55 off 26 balls helped the Champions recover from 24/3 to post 112/6.

Walter continued his impressive form with an unbeaten 62 off 26 deliveries, while Kohler-Cadmore contributed 42 off 27. Their 103-run opening partnership guided the Aces to victory with six balls to spare.

Fakhar and Afridi keep United Tigers unbeaten

United Tigers strengthened their position at the top of the standings with a nine-wicket victory over Royal Desert Champions, registering their third consecutive win.

Abbas Afridi produced an outstanding bowling performance, claiming 3/10 as the Champions were restricted to 81/9. Captain Fakhar Zaman then smashed an unbeaten 45 off 21 deliveries, guiding the Tigers to 84/1 in just seven overs.

Afridi shines again against Arabian Aces

United Tigers also recorded an emphatic 51-run victory over Arabian Aces, with Afridi making an impact with both bat and ball. He smashed three sixes in a six-ball, 20-run cameo to help the Tigers post 140/6 before claiming two wickets, including Liam Livingstone.

Azmatullah Omarzai contributed an unbeaten 29 off nine balls and picked up 2/17 to earn Player of the Match honours. The Aces were restricted to 89/9.

Star conversations and bigger ambitions

Ahead of the opener, the captains of the six franchises came together today for the pre-tournament press conference to set out their ambitions for the season. Kieron Pollard, Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Fakhar Zaman and Moeen Ali shared their thoughts on title defences, team identity and the demands of the 10-over game. 

“It’s always tougher to defend a title. When you’re the reigning champions, you’re the team to beat. But everybody starts fresh tomorrow. It’s a new season, and we’re all excited to get our campaign going on the right note,” said Kieron Pollard of UAE Bulls.

Beyond the on-field action, Pakistan teammates Naseem Shah and Usman Tariq entertained fans with a humorous exchange about Tariq’s distinctive bowling action. Their banter highlighted the lighter side of the competition.

Meanwhile, UAE batter Muhammad Waseem praised the Abu Dhabi T10 and ILT20 for providing local players with valuable opportunities to learn alongside international stars.

England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, despite the heavy defeat against United Tigers, expressed enthusiasm about joining Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2027 following his trade from Sunrisers Hyderabad.

With explosive performances, international stars and emerging UAE talent adding to the excitement, the 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 promises an entertaining battle as the tournament progresses.