The Karachi Dolphins skipper Mohammad Sami speaking with PakPassion.net, outlined a simple plan for his team in the ongoing Faysal Bank Super Eight T-20 Cup. The plan and aim was to take the Super Eights trophy back to Karachi.

By Saj Sadiq (27th March, 2012)

The Karachi Dolphins skipper Mohammad Sami speaking with PakPassion.net, outlined a simple plan for his team in the ongoing Faysal Bank Super Eight T-20 Cup. The plan and aim was to take the Super Eights trophy back to Karachi.

The Dolphins impressed during their comfortable defeat of the Rawalpindi Rams by 32 runs in their opening fixture and hopes are high amongst the Karachi fans that the Dolphins can lift the coveted Super 8s title this time around.

Sami pointed to a very good balance in the Karachi team as one of the main reasons why he expects the Dolphins to challenge for honours in Rawalpindi.

"The victory over Rawalpindi was a very good one. I was really pleased with the all round effort from the team and it's very important to start a tournament such as the Super 8s with a victory. A winning start sets you up nicely for the rest of the group stage" stated Sami.

Sami added "We have a good all round balance in the squad even though we are missing a couple of players. There's a lot of experience in the squad and a good combination. There are no obvious weaknesses and we have a number of current and former international cricketers which is always very useful."

Commenting on the group that the Dolphins find them in alongside Rawalpindi, Sialkot and the Lahore Eagles, Sami stated "These are the top 8 teams in Pakistan in the twenty over format and there are no pushovers. Every match is competitive and hard fought and if you are not on your game 100% then you will struggle. We are pleased with the start and are looking to continue with the momentum in our next match against Sialkot on Wednesday. We've come here with one thing on our minds and that is to win our first ever twenty20 title."

The matches in the Super 8s in Rawalpindi have been played out in front of packed houses and a wonderful family orientated atmosphere and Sami spoke of how much the cricketers enjoy playing in front of packed houses and how it added to the competitiveness.

"The matches are being aired live on television and the atmosphere at the ground is fantastic. As a cricketer you want to show your talent to the millions watching on television and in front of the fans in the ground. The high profile of this tournament definitely adds to the competitiveness and intensity" added Sami.

Looking at Karachi's chances this time around Sami stated "We have been runners up in these tournaments on several occasions and I feel it's now time to put that right. We've been close a few times but have never ended up winning a title. I feel this time we have a very good chance to put that right."

Speaking of his own international aspirations Sami feels that he still has the desire and the skill to perform on the international stage, despite being 31 years of age and having last played for Pakistan in November 2010.

"I've just returned from Bangladesh where I performed well in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and my form in domestic cricket has been very consistent. The selectors are obviously watching the ongoing tournament and the other domestic competitions and know what I am capable of. I am fully fit and feel that I can still perform well for Pakistan as and when needed."