Two of the UAE’s top teams, Alubond Tigers and Danube Lions, will be vying for glory when the final of the Danube Test series begins today at Dubai International Stadium.
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Alubond Tigers enter the game as firm favourites, with their eight wicket victory against Al Fara’a being their second win of the tournament.
Their team includes former Pakistan international Hasan Raza, who is in fine form having smashed an unbeaten century against GMW Royal.
Their bowling unit will be led by UAE spinner Nasir Aziz and seamers Asadullah Sharif and Sheraz Ahmed, who have claimed 47 wickets between them in the competition. The hosts have had mixed results recording three draws but managed to scrape their way into the final.
But they can draw confidence from centuries from UAE opener Andri Berenger and skipper Abid Ali while seamer Aamir Hayat claimed eight wickets in one match.
The final will be played over three days as opposed to two, with the primary reason being to allow more players to get extra batting practice than they would in T20s or 50-over formats.
“It’s an historic moment for UAE cricket as this will be the first time it will be held over three days,” said Danube Lions owner Anis Sajan. “Test cricket is the highest form of cricket where players’ temperament is tested and that temperament is a combination of the cricketers’ physical, emotional and mental traits which separates the men from the boys.
“I believe this experience of playing a three-day final will benefit all the players in building their temperament and I expect a thrilling and close game between the both sides.”
And he is wary of the threat posed by Alubond Tigers, adding: “They’re the favourites but anything can happen in a final.”
