Tier Two Playoffs - Round One

Haya vs Ridha

It wasn't a miracle to witness Haya deluge in full force and completely go Hollywood all over Ikhlas last week. Coach K's troops stomped the Green Machine by a score of 7-3 and wrenched back what was rightfully theirs, the first place title. Now it's showtime and with the backdrop of elimination in the air, only 30 minutes will dictate whether this group is the real deal or fool's gold. Any betting man would take Haya in heartbeat versus Ridha, after all the grey shirts have a platter of offensive assortments. However, this is the playoffs and tier two history has dictated from previous seasons that "whom shall win first place will never win the championships". Is Haya ready to rewrite history? Will Haya be able to beat Yasir Hussain and Ridha? 

You gotta give an ovation to Ridha for playing a hearty 30 minutes and skulking by Shukr. Not only did they reserve their seats to the post-season but Ridha cranked Shukr's coffin without Faheem Kotwal and Imran Lakhanpal. Not bad for a night's work! So, let's talk business. The only plausible way the Orangemen can win this elimination game is from the back end. Ridha could elect the dull game plan of going auto-pilot and pouncing on their chances, essentially playing the waiting game. However, Haya is to shrewd for that and will be a handful for them regardless. Netminder Yasir Hussain will be playing the biggest game of his life. Can GM Zaid Mahmood employ a plan that'll elevate this squad to next dimension? How will Ridha shut down Waseem Bangash and Ali Murtaza?

Player To Watch:
It's more like players to watch. Talib Contractor, Shaan Abbasi and Bilal Alvi chewed up most of the playing minutes last game and certainly stepped in some big shoes. Keep those shoes on boys!

Who's Hot?
Mehmed Rizwanovic has crafted quite the repute for himself game after game. The rookie (to i-Slam) has 14 points this season and has been instrumental for Haya.

Zuhd vs Ikhlas

Judging from their resume, the only pragmatic finalist might infact be Zuhd. It's an audacious statement but it's perceivable, unless Ikhlas doesn't reform from their inundating defeat last week. The Purple Platoon recently bid farewell to Yaqeen and left them in a dazing 3-1 loss. Shabil Ahmed and Naeem Akhtar have been the dark horses that have planted this team on cloud nine. Zuhd's defence has been synonymous with their offense and don't look now but goaltender Rizwan Ali is playing tougher than leather on a shoe. GM Fahad Malik has also been a key facet on this team and will look to drive this 18 wheeler right to the finals. However, Zuhd has faced one of their loses to the Green Machine so it'll be interesting to envision both squads doing justice over one another. How many goals will it take to put Ikhlas to sleep? This game is well balanced and will be an exhilarating one!  

Ikhlas must swallow this loss and appreciate it happened now, rather than latter. Despite a

few hindrances, the Green Machine have been churning along and have shared quite a ride over their 10 game regular season. GM Amir Multani, Wakaas Khan and Atif Mian have been the pillars to the offence, while Farrukh Khan and his camp of defensemen prove to be the tighter than bark on a tree. The green shirts better buckle up in the back end and prepare for Zuhd cause those speed demons won't give you a second of their time. Nevertheless, we all know the unlimited capacity netminder Khalid Mufti possesses. He's a game stealer and will add more flavour in this veteran goaltending dual. Will Ikhlas and their Khan's go Bollywood all over Zuhd? Can Farrukh Khan shut down Naeem Akhtar? 

Player To Watch:
He's fast, he's bullheaded and he always finishes his assignments with tenacity. Hi name is Sajid Khan.

Who's Hot?
This is all about the Naeem Akhtar show. The stats speak for themselves.