Eoin Morgan's Kerala Knights prove they are still kings of T10 League with opening night win

England captain and Paul Stirling reprise performance of last year's final to beat Pakhtoons by eight wickets

Andre Fletcher of Pakhtoons bats against Kerala Knights in the T10 League at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National

Shahid Afridi of Pakhtoons bats against Kerala Knights in the T10 League at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Cameron Delport of Pakhtoons bats against Kerala Knights in the T10 League at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Sandeep Lamichhane of Kerala Knights takes the wicket of Pakhtoons' Mohammed Kaleem in the T10 League at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Fans during the game between Pakhtoons and Kerala Knights in the T10 League at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Fans during the game between Pakhtoons and Kerala Knights in the T10 League at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Mohammed Naveed of Kerala Knights celebrates his run out of Pakhtoons' Chadwick Walton in the T10 League at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Wayne Parnell of Kerala Knights in action against Pakhtoons in the T10 League at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Chris Gayle of Kerala Knights during their game against Pakhtoons in the T10 League at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Fabian Allen of Kerala Knights during their game against Pakhtoons in the T10 League at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

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.

The holders strengthened their side with the acquisition of Chris Gayle ahead of this tournament, but their hero first time out this season was the same familiar figure.

Paul Stirling, who was the outstanding player in the first tournament 12 months ago, hit 40 in 14 balls to inspire the victory, having opened the innings with Gayle.

Just as in the final 12 months ago, where Stirling led, Eoin Morgan followed. The England captain was 46 not out off 20 balls when victory was sealed.

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The fact Pakhtoons had been restricted to 109 from their 10 overs was largely down to the excellence of Mohammed Naveed.

The UAE fast bowler was easily the best performing bowler on show in either of the opening two matches.

The Sharjah resident went for just 11 from his two overs, and six of those came in one blow off the 11th ball he sent down.

Sandeep Lamichhane made it a night to remember for Associate cricketers. The Nepal leg-spinner took three wickets, bowling in tandem with Naveed.

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