Strikers will reach MCL semis in UAE: Team owner Sajan

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Strikers will reach MCL semis in UAE: Team owner Sajan

Dubai - The Strikers have played two matches so far and won the first one and lost the second one at Dubai Cricket Stadium.

By Rituraj Borkakoty

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Published: Tue 2 Feb 2016, 1:54 PM

Last updated: Tue 2 Feb 2016, 4:56 PM

Anis Sajan, Managing Director of Danube and owner of Sagittarius Strikers, is confident his team will reach the semifinals in the ongoing Masters Cricket League in the UAE.
The Strikers have played two matches so far and won the first one and lost the second one at Dubai Cricket Stadium.
"I saw both the games. In the first game against Virgo Super Kings, we made 157 runs and won the game comfortably. The other team was never in the hunt. Shane Bond bowled as though he had never missed a game in recent years," Sajan told Khaleej Times during a team practice session at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Also read: Strikers trounce Super Kings
"In the next game (against Capricorn Commanders) we played on a wicket that was slow and low. We lost the toss, so we had to bat second. There are no excuses for that.
"We managed to restrict the opposition to 146. Till the first 10 overs, we were 70 for one. But their spinner (Jeetan Patel) changed the game by removing (Adam) Gichrist and (Jonathan) Trott in quick succession. Then Abdul Razzaq bowled very good last over and won the game for his team.
"But I am confident that we will do very well in the next matches. We will definitely reach the semis. After that anything can happen."
Having a legendary wicketkeeper batsman as the captain gives the Strikers a massive boost, says Sajan.
"We are being led by a captain who is street smart. Gilchrist is somebody who leads from the front. On the first day when we went for the inauguration he made sure he checked the conditions, the outfield whether it was wet or heavy, and the pitch condition. That's the kind of dedication the man has.
"Also, he has given me the freedom not to boss over but to discuss the matches and team composition."
On Danube's late arrival as team owners in MCL, Sajan said: "We had given our papers. But the process took time and once it got cleared we were in. So the interest was always there. The most important thing is I am a cricket fan. I first had an indoor team which we launched in 1996. Then for the last five years I am having an outdoor corporate team. It's the only team in this country where we have employed 30 players to play cricket. They have been given visas only to play cricket. Then lot of people asked me why not have an international team. So we decided to be part of MCL."
The Strikers next match will be against Libra Legends on Thursday.
rituraj@khaleejtimes.com


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