Abu Dhabi Counties Super Cup Report: Bears v Team Abu Dhabi

Michael Burgess struck an impressive half-century to see the Bears home as they defeated Team Abu Dhabi by six wickets to secure an opening victory in the Abu Dhabi Counties Super Cup.

matc

2024-03-15T18:16:20.000Z

Michael Burgess struck an impressive half-century to see the Bears home as they defeated Team Abu Dhabi by six wickets to secure an opening victory in the Abu Dhabi Counties Super Cup.

In sticky conditions under the beaming floodlights, the destructive wicket-keeper batter put on a show at the Tolerance Oval by striking at over 209 with nine boundaries.

The right-hander, who hit seven fours and two sixes in a ruthless 26-ball spell to reach 54 not out, was duly awarded with the Player of the Match and plenty of teammate handshakes.

It was an impressive knock that was built on the hard work of the bowlers.

Winning the toss and choosing to bowl, the Bears dismissed their opponents for just 118 taking regular wickets and restricting just two players to 15 runs or more.

Stand-in Captain Danny Briggs led the attack with three wickets for just 19 off 3.4 overs, whilst Jake Lintott, Craig Miles and Liam Norwell each picked up two wickets and Michael Booth one.

Abu Dhabi Counties Super Cup Report: Bears v Team Abu Dhabi - Image 2

It wasn't all plain sailing in reply however as Ed Barnard fell first ball and Will Rhodes the seventh, leaving the Bears 1/2 and momentum shifting away.

But contributions from Hamza Shaikh (22 off 18) and Chris Benjamin (15 off 14) settled the ship before Burgess and George Garton (17 off 9) ensured the Bears got off to a winning start.