Top seed Jannik Sinner brushes aside fellow-Italian Lorenzo Sonego, while sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas falls to Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro
sports2 days ago
In the inaugural edition of the DP World ILT20, the team that’s made people sit up and take notice has been the Gulf Giants. With some of the best numbers to back them up, playing the Giants is a daunting task, and Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus has been among the stars of the campaign so far.
The all-rounder, who is playing in first T20 franchise tournament, scored a crucial half-century when the Giants defeated the Dubai Capitals in the first phase of the tournament.
“It has been a brilliant period so far with Gulf Giants, who have made me feel at home since I joined the squad. The set-up all-round has been excellent and enjoyable as well. They’ve put in place a system where you can thrive and concentrate on producing your best cricket. Our campaign so far showcased what the Adani’s and the team is all about,” Erasmus said.
At the ILT20, a standout aspect is the fact that all team XIs are required to have a couple of players, at least, from associate nations.
And undoubtedly, Erasmus is quite happy about that.
“There’s long been a push for the development of associate cricket around the world, and this is a great initiative from the ILT20 to bring in that rule. The associate players continuously yearn for opportunities like this, and are also showing that they can hold their own in such situations as well. It has been a phenomenal experience. I don’t think associate cricket has been in a better place than the last couple of years,” he added.
Erasmus also touched upon the fact that he has enjoyed his time working with coach Andy Flower, a legend of Zimbabwean cricket, saying that the former England coach is a reassuring figure.
“I've always known that Andy Flower has a great name out in the cricketing world. And having experienced that now myself in the last three weeks I've enjoyed my time with Andy. He’s explained to me that I should not hesitate to play my own game, and that’s really reassuring coming in in from the outside,” he said.
While the Namibian captain has an eye on helping his nation earn the big scalps in the international arena, his focus currently is on putting his best foot forward whenever he dons the Gulf Giants’ jersey.
“The Adani Group have helped put together a well-balanced and strong squad, from all sides. Everything has been run really well for us to concentrate on cricket. And really, go showcase our skill sets out on the field," he said.
"You know, learning and teaching some of your fellow players, whether in the nets or otherwise, it’s been quite smooth. Ultimately as players you go out on the field and battle it out, and you know the types of feelings that you have.
"That, for one I think has been what has stood out for me about the Gulf Giants’. What they've set up is really an environment for the players to do it themselves and to go out and express themselves.”
Top seed Jannik Sinner brushes aside fellow-Italian Lorenzo Sonego, while sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas falls to Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro
sports2 days ago
Rahul top scores for LSG but Samson and Jurel get RR home with their 121-run stand
sports2 days ago
Hosts win fifth and final international match in Lahore by nine runs
sports2 days ago
Sheffield United relegated after huge loss at Newcastle, In-form Everton assured of Premier League survival with narrow victory over Brentford
sports2 days ago
The Capitals posted their highest total in the tournament to set up a ten-run win over their gritty rivals
sports2 days ago
The hosts dominate with a total of 194 medals including 65 golds with Saudi in second place and Kuwait in third
sports2 days ago
Dubai Amateur 17-year-old Oscar Craig continues to showcase his impressive form with third-round level par 72 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
sports2 days ago
Twice Grand Slam champion Alcaraz is set to make his Olympic debut while Nadal will be eyeing his third gold medal after wins in Beijing and Rio
sports2 days ago