Philips Go Gear Twenty20 Cup final preview

Saturday, 28 April 2012 07:35

Cricket's biggest rivalry starts anew as Hiriya takes on Male' Sports in the final of the Philips Go Gear Twenty20 Cup on Sunday. It will be revenge time for Hiriya as Male' Sports denied them a final's berth in the 2011 edition of the game, when they were beaten in a rain affected match.

However, the last time these two teams met in the T20 final, in 2008 Hiriya beat Male' Sports by 19 runs. In this year's edition, the league fixture between the two teams was abandoned due to heavy rain. So there is nothing to separate them as they had for the final lockdown. Both Hiriya and Male' Sports won their group stage matches and semi-final's comfortably, with fine performances from their star players.

Players to look out for

Hiriya: Ahmed Hassan Sobir has already made 123 runs with a high score of 63 not out. His big hitting is a valuable asset for Hiriya at the top of the innings. Ishan Jayakody once again has proven a formidable player with bat and ball. He has already made a century in the tournament. Shafraz Jaleel has been consistent with the bat and also has been taking wickets in the tournament. Young fast bowler Ameel will prove a handful as he rips in left arm swingers.

Male' Sport: Abdulla Shahid with 121 and a 91runs innings will be Male' Sports main batting threat. Mohamed Aflah made a century in his first match of the tournament and can turn around matches when needed. Ahmed Neesham and Ismail Nihad can dig in and win matches when needed.