Dubai duel in the desert

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Dubai duel in the desert
Gemini Arabians players hit the nets at the Sevens Stadium grounds in Dubai on Wednesday. - Photo by Rahul Gajjar

Dubai - Sagittarius Strikers run into red-hot Gemini Arabians in MCL semis

By James Jose

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Published: Thu 11 Feb 2016, 10:30 PM

Last updated: Fri 12 Feb 2016, 8:10 AM

The moment Virender Sehwag walloped the first ball of the Masters Champions League (MCL) for a six at the 'Ring of Fire,' it was perhaps, a sign of things to come. It was not just a statement of intent but an ominous warning to the other four teams in the fray that the Gemini Arabians meant well and truly business.
The Gemini Arabians have been red-hot, turning on the heat in blustery conditions in Dubai as well as Sharjah. The Sehwag-lead side have sliced their way through the opposition to notch five wins from five. There has been no stopping them and they find themselves within striking distance of clinching the inaugural edition of the MCL. But before that can happen, there is the small matter of a semifinal to overcome.
They square off against Sagittarius Strikers at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the first semifinal on Thursday night, in what is being billed as the 'Dubai Duel in the Desert.' Both teams are Dubai-owned and a lot more than pride is at stake here. It remains to be seen if Sagittarius Strikers, who have had a mixed tournament so far, can stop the Gemini Arabians juggernaut.
Gemini Arabians have had everything going for them like a charm and there is quality running through their line-up. They have a well-balanced squad with the likes of Sehwag, Kumar Sangakkara, Richard Levi, Brad Hodge, Justin Kemp, Shivnarine Chanderpaul among others as well the wily old foxes Muttiah Muralitharan and Saqlain Mushtaq. Their only meeting in the competition was a high-scoring affair with the Gemini Arabians racking up 224.
The Sagittarius Strikers made a fist of it but fell just short by 12 runs. The only question perhaps would be if the Gemini Arabians have peaked too early.
Meanwhile, the Sagittarius Strikers got through to the semifinals on better net run rate after they were tied with the Capricorn Commanders with two wins and three losses. But skipper Adam Gilchrist was unpertubed on how they have got there.
"In a format like this, how you reach the knockouts doesn't matter and should be of little concern. We are only two wins away from the title and the boys are geared up for the big game," Gilchrist said on match eve.
And the Sagittarius Strikers owner Anis Sajan was confident that the team will step up to the occasion. "This team has played as a unit through out the tournament, and I am sure they will correct their shortcomings on this big occasion. The squad have had several team bonding events in these past few days which will reflect well in their attitude for this game," Anis Sajan said.
The Sagittarius Strikers too have firepower of their own in Gilchrist, Mahela Jayawardene as well as pace ace Shane Bond and veteran left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori.
Meanwhile, Leo Lions, who finished second on the table, take on the Virgo Super Kings in the second semifinal at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday night. The final is at the same venue on Saturday night.
james@khaleejtimes.com

SP100216-RG-MCL. MCL team Gemini Arabians players during the training at the sevens Ground on 10th Feb 2016   Photo By: Rahul Gajjar
SP100216-RG-MCL. MCL team Gemini Arabians players during the training at the sevens Ground on 10th Feb 2016 Photo By: Rahul Gajjar

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