Kerala Knights provided clear evidence they remain the team to beat in 10-over cricket, as they started their T10 League title defence with an eight-wicket win over Pakhtoon at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

After being put into bat, Pakhtoons made 109/5 in 10 overs.

Inspired by explosive knocks from Ireland batsman Paul Stirling (40, 14 balls, 3 fours, 4 sixes) and Ireland-born England batsman Eoin Morgan (46 not out, 20 balls, 2 fours, 5 sixes), the Knights chased down the target in just 7.5 overs, losing only two wickets.

But Chris Gayle (13, 7 balls) fans were disappointed as the West Indian superstar got out cheaply.

In the end though, the Knights were still too strong for Pakthoons as they won their opening match by eight wickets.

Earlier, Andre Fletcher (32, 14 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes) and Cameron Delport (28 not out, 15 balls, 1 four, 2 sixes) were the two bright spots in Pakhtoon's innings.

Nepal's 18-year-old leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane took three wickets for Kerala Knights.

In the first match of the day, Rajputs beat Sindhis by 10 wickets, thanks to a stunning 16-ball unbeaten 74 by Mohammad Shahzad.

Brief scores: Pakhtoon 109/5 in 10 overs (Andre Fletcher 32, Cameron Delport 28 not out; Sandeep Lamichhane 3/17) lost to Kerala Knights 110/2 in 7.5 overs (Paul Stirling 40, Eoin Morgan 46 not out) by eight wickets.

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