Winchester Cobras coach Libson Mathews believes his team must strike early in removing Jonathan Figy if they want to overcome Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) in the quarter-finals.

Figy has been one of the standout batsmen in this season’s Under-15 ADIB NSL with two tons and a half-century to his name in his three games as they topped their group with a perfect record.

It’s no surprise the opener leads the batting charts and Mathews, whose side qualifed with four wins, feels last season’s MVP holds the key.

“Figy is one player we have to get rid of,” he said. “If we can remove him early, then we’re off and have a strong chance of winning. We don’t want him to be at the crease for too long.”

PAK Hawks Sharjah supremo Fahim Alvi hopes his batsmen can put on a big total against Dubai’s IHS Knights.

“If we can win the toss and post a big score that will put the opponents under pressure but the boys need to be on the top of their game,” he said.

DIA Wolves also battle it out with Our Own Zenith for a semi-final spot, while Modern Heros meet Merryland Kings.