Previous meetings have proven to be closely-fought and Saturday’s clash at The Sevens, Dubai, is expected to be no different considering both sides were dominant in the group stages.
Winning has become a habit for the two teams and their latest battle has added an extra bit of spice given they will go into the game with a 100 per cent record.
With an opportunity to end their opponents’ title dream, both coaches know the players have to be at their very best if they want to be celebrating another victory.
“We are confident of winning but it’s up to the players what they do on the day,” said Falcons coach Prosanta Chanda, who has Harsh Bobade (112) — the second highest run-scorer – in his team.
“It will be a good challenge and we’ll give our best.”
His opposite number, Ayub Iqbal has not had much time to work with his boys but insists they will be up for the task.
“We only just started school meaning we’ve not had much training,” said Iqbal, who will be hoping Aryansh Sharma can make another big unbeaten score after his 30-run knock in the last group game.
“But that shouldn’t be a problem because by the time they play, they will have had a lot of time on the training field and for sure they don’t want to lose this derby.”
Meanwhile, Shoun Roger will be looking to carry on his fine form when his Our Own Zenith side meet GOOIS Warriors on Friday.
The all-rounder has been sensational, topping the runs (164) and wickets (16) tallies but GOOIS coach Suraj Bhuvanendran believes Roger isn’t the only threat his players should be wary of.
“We are not concentrating on one person,” he said. “We know about their players and they have a lot of match winners but we’ll stick to our game plan and try and win the game.”
Last season’s U-13 champions Modernite are aiming for their fourth straight triumph against Abu Dhabi’s BRS Tigers, who’ve already lost once this season.
Completing the line-up is Abu Dhabi Indian School’s clash against Dubai’s IHS Knights.
