Abu Dhabi T10 final predictions: who will win - Maratha Arabians or Deccan Gladiators?

The Abu Dhabi T10 reaches its climax on Sunday at Zayed Cricket Stadium, with Qalandars taking on Bangla Tigers in the third-place match

Chris Lynn of Maratha Arabians scored a fifty against Qalandars at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, his fourth of the Abu Dhabi T10. Pawan Singh / The National

Chris Lynn has been in vintage form for Maratha Arabians in the Abu Dhabi T10. Pawan Singh / The National

UAE bowler Shiraz Ahmed helped Maratha Arabians beat Qalandars and enter the final of the Abu Dhabi T10 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Luke Ronchi of Qalandars during the Abu Dhabi T10 match against Maratha Arabians at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Adam Lyth of Maratha Arabians during the Abu Dhabi T10 match against Qalandars on Saturday. Pawan Singh / The National

Cheerleaders during the Abu Dhabi T10 match between Maratha Arabians and Qalandars. Pawan Singh / The National

Dwayne Bravo of Maratha Arabians after taking the wicket of Luke Ronchi in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Maratha Arabians players celebrate their winning over Qalandars in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

What

Abu Dhabi T10 final

When and where?

Sunday, 8pm, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Maratha Arabians v Deccan Gladiators

Dwayne Bravo, the captain, termed his team the “most dominant” in this year’s T10, after they were the first through to the final.

It is difficult to argue. They topped the group, then eased through to the final – albeit with a little discomfort in the final over – in their qualifier play-off against Qalandars.

And in Chris Lynn, they have the outstanding player of the tournament. The Australian opener has made four scores in excess of 60 in his past five innings, and has one more shot at that elusive hundred.

In addition to that, they have a canny, experienced bowling attack led by multiple IPL winning duo Bravo and Lasith Malinga, as well as the uncapped UAE revelation Shiraz Ahmed.

All of which makes the Arabians best placed to win the title – but this is a 10-over game, after all, and Deccan Gladiators are not exactly short of firepower themselves.

Mohammed Shahzad, Shane Watson and Kieron Pollard could all be matchwinners with the bat, while Ben Cutting was a valuable last-line of defence in the last-chance eliminator against Qalandars on Saturday night.

Prediction: Maratha Arabians to win

What

Bronze match

When 

Sunday, 5.45pm

Qalandars v Bangla Tigers

If the Qalandars do cling on to take third place, it would be a fine achievement. They have faced myriad issues.

A whole team's worth of Pakistani talent withdrawn in the lead up. All of their star players – Tom Banton, Luke Ronchi, Chris Jordan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman – unavailable at points during the competition.

And yet, they were still two hits away from making it to the final.

It seems unlikely to think they will rush the likes of Banton back from injury just for a bronze medal match, which means Bangla Tigers should be optimistic of their chances.

Andre Fletcher is their most likely source of runs. If he stays at the crease for any significant amount of time, it will be difficult for Qalandars.

Prediction: Bangla Tigers to win