Shaiman Anwar adds to the strength of Danube Lions

Denzil Pinto 07:38 11/01/2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • In terrific touch: Shaiman Anwar.

    Top domestic club Danube Lions have sent out a message of intent to their rivals by signing UAE international Shaiman Anwar.

    The 36-year-old batsman was without a club since Wings closed down at the end of last season and joins Danube on an initial two-month contract with an option of making it permanent.

    Anwar’s acquisition strengthens Danube’s batting line-up which also features UAE player Shahzad Manna and Pakistan first-class cricketer Asif Ali.

    They will be a strong force when they begin their quest for repeating their 2014 triumphs in the Al Hamad ‘A’ Division and Bukhatir trophies later this season.

    After finishing the year strongly for the UAE with three straight half-centuries against Oman and Hong Kong, the Pakistani-born batsman is hoping to replicate that form for Danube.

    “I’m very happy to have joined Danube Lions as it is one of the biggest teams in the UAE,” said Anwar, who became the first World Cup centurion for the UAE after scoring 106 against Ireland last year.

    “I was in really good form in 2015 and want to continue that this year. It’s going to be difficult but all the players are good and the team regularly practises which is very good.”

    Known for his ability to change matches in minutes, the opportunity to bring Anwar in was an easy decision for Danube owner Anis Sajan.

    “He’s one of the top players and he was looking out for a team,” he said. “I feel it’s the right time to bring him in because we also wanted a solid batsman in the middle. He’s a guy who has got temperament, he bats big and long.”

    Since October, former Derbyshire cricketer Dominic Telo has been in charge of Danube as part of the partnership with the ICC Academy which sees them train regularly at state-of-the-art facilities in Dubai.

    Sajan has been impressed with the South African’s effect on the team.

    “The atmosphere within the team is very good,” he said. “Winning and losing is all part of the game but maintaining an important atmosphere is very important and Dominic has maintained it so far.”

    Recommended