The Desert Vipers squad was out in full force at the ICC Academy in Dubai, for a training session ahead of their crucial Qualifier against the Gulf Giants on Wednesday, February 8. The two teams will play each other for a third time in the DP World ILT20.
While the Desert Vipers have lost their previous encounters against the Gulf Giants, Desert Vipers Colin Munro, in a conversation with the Vipers Voices podcast, said he believes his side can beat the Gulf Giants on Wednesday: “Every team is beatable in this competition. There are some great squads around, especially our team. I have all the faith in the boys to do the job tomorrow.
“All the pressure is on them. They have beaten us twice. And we come into the play-off as underdogs. They have lost just one game in the group stage, so they are the team to beat. All the pressure will be on them.”
The Desert Vipers and Gulf Giants encounter on Wednesday, February 8, at the Dubai International Stadium, begins at 6 pm GST. Tickets can be purchased using this link: https://dubai.platinumlist.
Here are some excerpts from the interview with Colin Munro.
Question: Playing against the Gulf Giants, you’ve played two and lost two. Is there a fair amount of pressure on the Desert Vipers going into Wednesday’s game?
Colin Munro: “All the pressure is on them. They have beaten us twice. And we come into the play-off as underdogs. They have lost just one game in the group stage, so they are the team to beat. All the pressure will be on them.”
Question: Are they (Gulf Giants) beatable?
Colin Munro: “Every team is beatable in this competition. There are some great squads around, especially our team. I have all the faith in the boys to do the job tomorrow.”
Question: What are the learnings from the last two games against the Gulf Giants?
Colin Munro: “I think staying in the contest (is important). They have got some wonderful players and they will put us under pressure, so (it is important) to stay in the contest for long periods of time and also to try and close out our overs a little better. With the bat, if you are in, (it is important too) make sure you get a big score.”
Question: The Gulf Giants have some terrific death bowlers with David Wiese and Chris Jordan, don’t they?
Colin Munro: “ That (effective bowling during the death overs) is their biggest strength along with their batting. They have got those death bowlers that are taking wickets. Confidence in this format of the game is a huge thing. So, against those boys that are world-class on their day, you have got to be at your best.”
Question: You have played all ten games in this tournament so far, and this is a new role for you as captain. How have you found that and how are you feeling?
Colin Munro: “I was fortunate enough to have my family with me, so when it is not cricket, then it is switching off time and family time. That is something I have done really well in the last year or two. Earlier, I used to carry a lot of baggage from game to game. Thinking about things and thinking more of the negative, rather than what I have done well.
“So now I have made those changes, and once I get off the bus, the cricket is done, and (I try to) just be mentally fresh when I am around the family.
“I have learnt a lot along the way, especially about those difficult conversations around players and letting them know they are not playing. Sometimes it is just saying they are not in our best team at the moment, and guys have to learn to take that with a pinch of salt and move on, and the guys have been great.”
Question: A new player Naman Ojha has come into the squad, replacing Dinesh Chandimal. Have you managed to chat to him and how have you found him?
Colin Munro: “He (Naman Ojha) is a great addition to the squad and a very experienced player. A backup wicketkeeper for Sam Billings, so if anything happens to Billings, Ojha will be the next guy in. He is a very experienced player and has played a lot in the IPL. He spoke in the meeting before coming to training about how excited he is about joining the team, and hopefully, he can add some value, both on and off the field.”
Question: There was a good turnout at nets today, is that a sign of how hungry the players are?
Colin Munro: “I think it shows how much the boys want to go out and put on a good performance tomorrow. It shows they are keen, and really want to do well for the team. As a captain, it is pleasing to see everyone here putting in the hard work. The preparation is really good so far, and we can come into the game tomorrow and play what is in front of us. “
Question: Are you confident about tomorrow?
Colin Munro: “Yes (I am) confident. I have said it the whole way, we have the best team, I still believe that even though we finished second. I still believe we have the best team on paper. But as I said, it (a match) is not won on paper, it is won on the ground, and the team that adapts and plays what is in front of them the best will go on and win.
“For me (I have) confidence in the team’s ability and my own ability to lead this team and hopefully we can come away with a win.”
