RAMSBOTTOM Cup hero Farhan Adil plans to cap a magnificent debut season in English cricket by leading Great Harwood to an historic league and cup double this weekend.
The 23-year-old Pakistani right-hander masterminded Harwood's Ramsbottom Cup success against Earby last weekend with a magnificent unbeaten half century.
And now he's aiming to deliver the second half of the double with another key innings against Edenfield on Saturday as Harwood bid to secure their first league title in over century.
"It would be a dream come true for me to win the double in my first season in English cricket," said Adil. "It was a nice feeling to win the cup on Sunday, especially with it being six years since the club last won it.
"But everyone is aware that the league is the big prize and what better way to win it for the first time in a hundred years than by clinching the double?"
Harwood, who finished runners-up to champions Ribblesdale Wanderers last season, warmed up for their date with destiny impressively enough thanks to a crushing six-wickets win in Sunday's final.
But, with Cherry Tree currently four points clear at the top, Adil and his team-mates know they have their work cut-out if they are to pip their old rivals to the big prize.
"We're playing well at the moment and we've got to make sure we beat Edenfield and then see what happens between Cherry Tree and Baxenden," said Adil. "On paper, our game looks the easier of the two but as we've seen before, anything can happen in this league."
Sunday's Cup win should help to boost confidence, however, and Adil in particular showed he is currently in top form.
"When Earby won the toss and elected to bat I thought they were on for a score of 200-plus because it looked a good wicket," said Adil. "But we probably chipped 50 runs off that through some exceptional fielding.
"Then, when it came to us batting, I just wanted to make sure I batted all the way through because I knew if I did that then we'd get them easily."
Get them they did courtesy of an imperious 91 not out from Adil. And, after stroking his way to over well over a thousand runs over the summer, the Harwood run-machine is now hoping one last flourish will earn him a contract for next season.
"It's my intention to come back to England next year because this summer has been a fantastic experience for me," said Adil. "I think we've got the best amateurs in the league and the fact that a lot of the lads are so young has really helped me because everyone's so keen.
"The club have told me they will meet in October to decide what to do about a professional for next year.
"But if they want me back then I'd like to return."
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