County looking to get T20 bid going
ZEN Malik says Staffordshire will need to move to the next level if they want to keep their hands on the NCCA T20 Cup.
Staffs won the competition for the first time last summer, defeating Berkshire and Cornwall on finals day.
After being beaten by the weather last week, they were aiming to start with two games yesterday against Northumberland at Burslem before a long trip for a double header against Cumbria at Carlisle today.
The top two from the five groups, plus the two bestperforming third-placed sides, will qualify for the next stage.
“You set out to win every game and we don’t want to be relying on other results to qualify,” said Leek all-rounder Malik.
“With the squad we’ve got and the depth we have we should be able to be successful.
“The opposition are going to step up because we are the defending champions. We can’t be complacent. We have to move up an extra level – and we’re capable of doing that.
“It’s a big motivation for the players to go back to back. You can see there’s that hunger throughout the squad.
“The standard of the team is really high and there’s no complacency. We certainly won’t see people stepping off it.”
Nils Priestley was the outstanding performer for Staffordshire in their T20 Cup success last season.
He became the first Staffs batsman to score a ton in the format when he plundered 147 not out in the semi-final victory over Berkshire at Tring Park.
He faced 66 balls and smashed 12 fours and 10 sixes.
Priestley then compiled a gritty half-century in the final against Cornwall as Staffs edged out the Duchy by just four runs.
Malik had the best seat in the house as Priestley scored his hundred, standing at the other end as the ball was sent to all parts.
The pair put on 124 for the first wicket in only 8.3 overs before Malik fell for 40.
“It was a joke stood at the other end to Nils last season. After the first couple went out of the ground I thought ‘he’s seeing it well!’,” added Malik.
“He just kept going. I virtually stopped backing up before each ball because you knew it was going to disappear. It was an unbelievable display of hitting.
“He was in the zone and that’s what he can do. He puts the opposition under pressure and as a bowler you’re scared of missing your areas because the ball will go.
“Even in the final against Cornwall he showed his quality by playing a different type of role and helping us to win.
“Nils’ performances will send a message to other teams this year. If Nils is playing freely, other people can come in and play and not worry about being the main figure.
“But people have to step up and contribute. We’ve been playing together last year, so we know our roles and people understand what is expected of them.”
Staffs have added to their squad with all-rounder Reeve Evitts and seamer Hishaam Khan, who is also on Rolleston’s books this summer.
Khan offers a left-arm option to the county attack – and Malik says he’s a shrewd acquisition.
“Hishaam offers a lot with bat and ball. He came close to sign as a pro with a few counties last summer,” explained Malik.
“He’s really good with the ball and he strikes it cleanly with the bat as well.
“He gives us something different being left arm and is a great addition.
“He swings the ball up front ad he’s good in the death overs as well in white-ball cricket.”