Scoring 14 and helping contribute to a slapstick run out might not exactly qualifying as rolling back the years. But Yuvraj Singh did at least hint at the fact he is warming to T10 cricket, as he tasted victory for the first time since joining the league. The big-money recruit was at the crease for a good time, if not a long time, for Maratha Arabians in their 47-run win over Qalandars on Sunday night. The Indian World Cup-winner hit two sixes, much to the delight of the crowd at Zayed Sports City, in a six-ball stay that was worth 14. It was one of a string of cameos by the side that had hitherto been the only team without a win in the Abu Dhabi T10. Eventually they made 107 for eight from their 10 overs. This Qalandars side are still getting to know each other. Nominally, the franchise represent the city of Lahore, but they had their entire contingent of Pakistan players withdrawn before this tournament started. As such, the start they had made – with a tie against Team Abu Dhabi, and then a resounding win over the defending champions Northern Warriors – was a plucky one. Their meeting with the Arabians was a reality check, though. Nothing spoke more of their unfamiliarity with each other than when Yuvraj contributed to the run out of Phil Salt. The 37-year-old was being hidden in the field. The ball looped over his head at short-fine leg. He ambled after it, lobbed it back on the turn without any noticeable urgency. By the time it made its way to wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton, both Salt and his batting partner Dawid Malan were at the same end after a breakdown in communication. It was Salt who had to go. Despite the fact they lost just four wickets, Qalandars managed just 60 from their 10 overs, as they fell to their first loss of the tournament.
