Date:13/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/13/stories/2008111361432100.htm

Sport - Cricket

Heroes, Badshahs in repeat final

V.V. Subrahmanyam

AHMEDABAD: Defending champion, Hyderabad Heroes, takes on formidable Lahore Badshahs in the first of the ‘best-of-three’ finals of the Indian Cricket League Twenty-20 cricket championship under lights at Sardar Patel Stadium here on Thursday.

In the last edition too these two teams clashed in the final with the Badshahs finishing runner-up. The Chris Harris-led Heroes will be keen to retain the trophy albeit without home crowd support.

“No doubt, that was a huge factor and could make a difference in our title-defence here. But, we are aware of how to win away games and the momentum is really good,” said coach Steve Rixon on the eve of the final.

Options

“We do have options in the first six overs in batting but we depend hugely on Ambati Rayudu and Stuart Binny, who after the first edition have stepped into a different level.

“We are aware that we have to play differently from what we have done in the previous games against Badshahs which is a virtually an international side with very strong bowling attack,” said Rixon. He said that he wanted to finish off the contest in two games.

Harris said that the team had to play at its best to emerge winner. “We are aware of the importance of removing the dangerous opening and in-form pair of Imran Farhat and Imran Nazir.

“Then there is always the experience of Inzamam and Yousuf for them to bank on at a later stage,” he said.

“Essentially, from our side, we are keen that our batsmen convert the good starts into big scores,” he said.

First strike

Badshahs captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said that the first final in a best-of-three is a crunch game. Whichever team wins will have a big advantage. “So, we are aware of our responsibility and hope to play according to our game-plan,” he said. He also said that bowling had been Badshahs’ strong point even as the batting improved in the final games.

“The presence of Mohmmad Yousuf is a big plus,” he added. “The wickets seen here do not really help the spinners – especially the left-armers. But in we have Saqlain Mushtaq who can trouble the best in the crucial middle-overs. It should be exciting final and the crowds which seem to be supporting us more, will enjoy the game,” Inzamam concluded.