Atlas UTC Knights finished top of the standings during the group stages of the 2020 European Cricket Series Malta, the only unbeaten side with seven wins. However, Knights came unstuck in the all-important game, losing the Final unexpectedly to Marsa. After a promising 6-2 record in the group stages, the Knights came unstuck in the semi-finals earlier this summer to the overpowering Super Kings and will be looking to go one better this time around.
ATLAS UTC KNIGHTS (AUK)
Captain: Sujesh Appu
Wicketkeeper: Avinash Dileep
Projected Top Four: Samuel Stanislaus, Manoj Panicker, Basil George, Avinash Dileep
Projected Opening Bowlers: Asif Sha, Justin Shaju
Spin Options: Samuel Stanislaus
ATLAS UTC KNIGHTS Key Players:
Basil George, star all-rounder, powerhouse of AUK with the bat, has the ability to smash all around the park. Was impressive with both bat and ball earlier in the year picking up SIX wickets and scoring 109 runs.
Samuel Stanislaus, Knight's Mr Dependable, has been the leading run scorer for AUK in both the previous ECS editions. He can also roll his arm when needed.
Sujesh Appu, the AUK skipper led from the front scalping most wickets for his side in the FanCode ECS Malta 2021. He picked up 13 wickets in 11 games with a best return of 4-12.
Justin Shaju, another valuable all-rounder, can swing the ball around at a decent pace and score handy runs down the order.