High hopes for Zahirians's back

Winter here in dubai finished rush summer 2011.......
Zahirians have targeted a place at the Jumeirah Series in Jumeirah-Dubai next month, and batsman Mohammad Imtiyas former queenslander believes the blooding of new talent during Srilanka's domestic GPL-2011 tournament stands the team in good stead.

"We are preparing for the Jumerah series next month and for a series of matches in the United Arab Emirates, so it was very good to come here and play," said Imtiyas, who was stand-in captain at the GPL-2011, with Regular captain Mohammed Dasthakir and by the way several senior players having missed the trip in order to prepare for next month's matches in the dubai.including Razeen, Arafath and Rasmi.

"We brought some youngsters here while the seniors were in the UAE, so we have a good back-up and youngsters get the chance to learn something, and I am happy that they learnt a lot," said Ayyub Padladka.

Skipper added that he hoped new team would continue the progress set in motion by former players. "We learnt a lot from them last few years and now we have former plenty of senior players well, so we hope they carries on the good work," said Rikaz.

In order for Dubai Zahirians to make a second appearance at the Jumeirah Series in Dubai next November, they will have to finish in the top two in the last year, scheduled in the dubai from November 13-24, 2011.