Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Lahore Eagles coach Manzoor Elahi spoke of his pride at seeing his charges reach the semi finals where they will meet one of the tournament favourites, Sialkot Stallions.

By Saj Sadiq (September 29, 2011)

As the Faysal Bank T20 tournament heads towards its final stages, it is now clear that Lahore Eagles, classed by many as underdogs, will come face to face with one of the Twenty20 powerhouses in Pakistan - the Sialkot Stallions.

The semi final which is scheduled for Saturday will see the Eagles take on a star studded Sialkot team boasting a very talented and experienced bowling line up.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Lahore Eagles coach Manzoor Elahi spoke of his pride at seeing his charges reach the semi finals.

"Things did not get off to a good start before the tournament when we were notified of Usman Salahuddin's illness and him missing the tournament, but I'm very proud of my boys, they've done really well."

"We weren't one of the fancied teams going into this tournament, but we have shown that we are a match for any team in this competition. All of the boys have gelled really well and there is a very good spirit and blend of youth and experience in the squad. "

Elahi who represented Pakistan on 60 occasions between 1984 and 1995 added that his job had been made easy by the professionalism displayed by his team throughout the tournament.

"The boys have been brilliant. They've listened to what I've had to say, they have all taken on responsibility. I've put my arm around the shoulder of the players and given them confidence and they have responded to that. I'm not someone who believes in shouting at players and making a fuss, they are professional they know what is required and I have just guided them along."

With Sialkot overwhelming favourites for the first semi final, it seems that Elahi's work is cut out if he and his Lahore team are to cause a shock, but he's confident that Lahore can surprise Sialkot and reach Sunday's final.

"We have nothing to be worried about, we are ready for them and there's nothing to be afraid of. It's eleven versus eleven at the end of the day. I've told my players to enjoy the match, don't get overawed by the opposition and concentrate on their own gameplan. We've analysed the Sialkot bowling line up and I feel we can upset their rhythm. I've looked at the bowlers for Sialkot and I feel that our batsmen can get on top of them. They (Sialkot) have some very good players in their side but they are not invincible and if we play to our full ability we could cause a surprise."

Elahi further added that "The Faysal Bank Cup was an enjoyable tournament to be part of and a very good forum for players young and old to display their talents. This tournament should be held regularly and is proving to be a very important tournament in the development of cricketers and raising the profile of cricket in Pakistan and around the world."

Critics of the format and the regional make up of the competing teams have stated that Lahore and Karachi should only be allowed one participant, but Elahi disagreed with that viewpoint and stated that both cities were deserving of two participants.

"There are so many good cricketers from both Karachi and Lahore and there is so much cricket being played there that I feel that both Lahore and Karachi deserve having two teams in such tournaments. Also a lot of players from outside both cities come to Lahore and Karachi to develop their game, so those boys end up playing in their adopted cities.