In a reprise of last year’s Blast Final the result ended up the same but in a different manner as Ali inspired the Rapids to chase down 184-6 with eight wickets in hand.
The all-rounder may have lost his England place this summer but showed only classy form against Sussex, 121 not out off just 60 and with 14 balls to spare.
Supported by Riki Wessels’ 46-ball 47 in an unrelenting second-wicket stand of 177, Ali smashed eight fours and 11 maximums.
“How do you play an innings like that? You need a bit to go your way,” said Moeen. “It was a good pitch. The toss was big.
“We actually thought they were going to get 200 at one point but we dragged it back and we were pretty comfortable with that.
“Where does the innings rank? It’s good. It’s obviously up there. It’s my highest score (in T20 cricket) and in a quarterfinal against a top side – and we were missing a lot of players.
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Denne historien er fra September 8,2019-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
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Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
