The first Dream11 European Cricket Series begins from March 2 at the Woodbridge Oval in Spain. Six teams will take part, namely the hosts Sporting Alfas, Intellectuals (Alicante), La Manga, Levante (Valencia), Madrid United and the Pinatar Pirates.
The first Dream11 European Cricket Series begins from March 2 at the Woodbridge Oval in Spain. Six teams will take part, namely the hosts Sporting Alfas, Intellectuals (Alicante), La Manga, Levante (Valencia), Madrid United and the Pinatar Pirates.
The tournament starting next Monday March 2 provides an opportunity for six Spanish teams to showcase their skills, while numerous Spanish internationals on display can fine tune their game before meeting Germany in a two match T20I series on March 8.
Sporting Alfas are favourites for the tournament on account of their recent win in the Spanish T10 regional tournament held at the same ground, but will be challenged by La Manga who have strengthened by adding internationals Paul Hennessy and Ravi Panchal from the Pinatar Pirates.
Sporting Alfas
Formed in 1996, winners of Spanish T10 regional tournament held at their home ground in January, befitting their status as one of the most successful clubs in the country. The favourites on their own patch.
Players to watch –
Jack Perman – 18-year-old talent, useful all-rounder with recent international experience, already scored over 4300 runs for the club in all formats.
Faran Afzal, serious batsman, top run scorer, who averaged 119 in all competitions last season, amassing 1790 runs.
Intellectuals
Founded in 1997 in Alicante, enjoying a first venture into the high-octane world of T10 cricket. Second division champions in the ECCL (East Coast and Central League) 40 overs competition last season. Lowest ranked side who face an uphill task to deliver a win, but with the pressure off and expectations low, could always spring a surprise.
Player to watch –
Ismail Baig – 25-year-old all-rounder, top score last year of 106 and bowls right arm fast as well.
La Manga
Came third in the January tournament and expectations are high after the recent signings of internationals Paul Hennessey and Ravi Panchal to bolster a squad already boasting the likes of Adam Alger.
Player to Watch - Adam Alger - A star of the recent T10 regional tournament, including a fantastic unbeaten century (off 36 balls) which earnt him a recall to the Spanish national team. Used to play for Sporting Alfas so will know the pitch conditions. Can also keep wicket and bowl right arm military medium.
Pinatar Pirates
Almost a team of Singhs at their disposal in a tightly-knit squad. Pinatar need to dig deep after losing both Paul Hennessy and Ravi Panchal to rivals La Manga.
Player to watch -
Kuldeep Lal. The Spanish international all-rounder will shoulder the burden after the loss of key players.
Levante
In 2019, the Levante Lightning enjoyed their most successful season in their brief seven-year history, winning the double of both the T20 and limited over competitions in Spain’s ECCL (East Coast and Central League). However, Levante were denied a place at ECL20 after losing to Minhaj Barcelona in the playoffs.
Players to watch –
Azhar Abbas - useful all-rounder, hard-hitting batsman, was not afraid of the big occasion in the national finals.
Madrid United
Madrid performed capably in the January tournament finishing as runners up and should not be underestimated this time around.
Player to watch –
Kashif Rana
With uncertainty regarding the availability of Spanish international Tauqeer Hussain, it may pay to watch out for spinner Kashif Rana who impressed with his wily bowling in the January tournament.
