TELUGU Royals will have sights set on retaining the V.R NAIDU T20 title when they face Challengers Cricket Club today at Gahanga Cricket Stadium. Holders Telugu and arch-rivals Challengers face-off this morning at 9am in men’s Division One final of the multi-class tournament. In an interview with Sunday Sport yesterday, Telugu Royals captain Shiva Samba Rao’s said he expects a nail-biting contest and appealed to his teammates to take the game very seriously. “We have well prepared for the final and players at individual level are ready. We are the best in Rwanda, we expect Challengers to give us a tough run for our money, hence we should make no mistake to underrate the opponent,” The star batter told Sunday Sport yesterday. He further added, “Winning the best team of the year awards in 2016 and 2017 made us much stronger and more determined. Everyone on the team is composed and fit for the game.” Leading the Challengers, Srinath Vardhinenth will be the man to watch out for during the game and is confident his side can defy odds to challenge Telugu for the title. “Telugu Royals are a team that I have respect for, what they have achieved in the last few years is incredible. However, we want this title as much as they and we are going to do everything possible to emerge victorious.” The Challengers skipper said in a separate interview. Challengers, one of the finest cricket clubs in the country, won V.R.NAIDU T20 cup four years in a row 2013 to 2016 before suffering a shocking semi-final exit last year. According to team captain Srinath, Challengers are fired up and ready to stun Telugu to reclaim the title for a record fifth time in six years. Going into the finals today, tournament favorites Telugu lead the table having won all their five games on the way to reach the finals while Challengers won four and lost one game respectively. Elsewhere in the women’s Division one fray, defending champions White Clouds will be up against Charity Cricket Club in what is expected to be another epic finale this morning. Charity are the favorites for the title, having won all three games played compared to rivals White Clouds in second position with two wins out of three games played. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
