Founded in 1997 in Alicante, The Intellectuals were second division champions in the ECCL (East Coast and Central League) 40 overs competition last season and technically, the lowest ranked side in the Dream11 European Cricket Series Alicante. After suffering two heavy defeats on the opening day, the Intellectuals are possibly not enjoying this first venture into the high-octane world of T10 cricket either.
Founded in 1997 in Alicante, The Intellectuals were second division champions in the ECCL (East Coast and Central League) 40 overs competition last season and technically, the lowest ranked side in the Dream11 European Cricket Series Alicante. After suffering two heavy defeats on the opening day, the Intellectuals are possibly not enjoying this first venture into the high-octane world of T10 cricket either.
That said, Hassan Askari was the pick of the Intellectuals bowlers on the opening day, including an impressive spell of 3-8 off two overs against the Pinatar Pirates. Batting wise, the Intellectuals never really clicked as a unit, posting a couple of pedestrian scores when trying in vain to chase down 100+ targets. Opener Ismail Baig did contribute well with the bat with a top score of 47, while all-rounders Umair Akram and Usman Baig can also find the boundary with ease – when they manage to stay in for an extended period.
However, the Intellectuals face a mountainous task to deliver a win against the all-conquering hosts and favourites Sporting Alfas. Faran Afzal, averaged 119 in all comps last season and showed why by hitting a bruising 45 off 22 balls to set the tone in the opening game of the Dream11 European Cricket Series Alicante. Fellow opener Eddie Ballard (24 off 12 balls) also looked very comfortable at the crease in an impressive first wicket partnership as Sporting easily chased down 88 against Pinatar.
Such is the difference in class between the two sides, Sporting Alfas may tinker with their batting order and give time at the crease to some players that did not feature heavily on day one. Spain captain Christian Munoz Mills did take two wickets in successive balls in his opening over, but will likely enjoy an extended chance to impress with the bat on day two, along with 18-year-old all-round talent Jack Perman. Whoever is employed at the top of the order, anything other than a comfortable Sporting Alfas win would be a MASSIVE surprise.
