T10 League: Warriors captain Sammy praises his batsmen after they make 183 in 10 overs

Northern Warriors skipper Darren Sammy's joy knew no bounds after his team set a T10 world record in their 99-run win over Punjabi Legends at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday night.

Batting first, the Warriors made 183/2 in 10 overs - a record in T10 cricket - before restricting their opponents to 84/7 to record their first win of the tournament

The thumping win put the Warriors, who had lost their first match to Bengal Tigers by 36 runs, back on track in the second edition of the T10 League.

There was a typical West Indian brilliance in their record-breaking batting performance.

Nicholas Pooran's stunning 25-ball 77 (2 fours, 10 sixes) set the tone for the Warriors.

Lendl Simmons (36, 21 balls, 6 fours, 1 six), Andre Russell (38 not out, 9 balls, 6 sixes) and Rovman Powell (21 not out, 5 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes) also entertained the Sharjah crowd with some massive sixes.

And Sammy said he never doubted his players after losing the first game.

"I never had any doubts about the players we picked. And last night, our players showed the quality in the team," the former West Indies captain told Khaleej Times in an exclusive interview.

"It was amazing the way our batsmen played and hit those sixes. It was a great performance overall. After having lost the first match, this was a brilliant comeback."

But Sammy said he never instructed his batsmen to set a certain target.

"To be honest, I never set any target for our batsmen when they went out to bat. I just asked them to enjoy the moment and play their best cricket. That's what happened. It was a terrific performance from our batters," he added.

Now the impressive victory has given the Warriors hope going into their next matches in the tournament.

"Obviously it gives us confidence. We have seen all the teams that have played in the tournament so far. We know what we have to do. It's matter of executing our plans. And last night we showed we are on the right track," he said.

Sammy then praised Rajputs' Mohammad Shahzad for his stunning 74 off 16 balls in the opening game.

"Shahzad set the tone for the tournament with that amazing innings. It just showed what T10 cricket is all about. And the atmosphere at the Sharjah Stadium has been electrifying," he said.

rituraj@khaleejtimes.com