Although Danube Lions owner Anis Sajan was “hugely satisfied” with another trophy, he feels his players must continue to strive next season after seeing rival teams close the gap on his men.

Sajan saw his indoor side end their campaign on a high with a tense one-run victory over Oxford Marine in the Sprite Ramadan tournament. 

Needing two for victory off the final ball, Ali Afzal hit the winning runs as they chased 31 to cap a remarkable final at Dubai’s ICC Academy.

It was the third Ramadan title for Danube Lions’ at the Dubai venue, and their second successive triumph, having won the inaugural Mirchi Conares Premier League in June. 

Overall, it was their fourth trophy this season in what has been another dominant campaign, since the team was launched in 1996.

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Describing his side’s latest victory as “special”, Sajan said he’s happy that his players have had to work hard for their success.
“I’m happy that indoor teams are competing with Danube Lions and are rubbing shoulders with us,” said Sajan.

“As more teams are becoming competitive, that in itself gives us a tough fight and that is motivating my boys to work harder on the field. 

“It sends out a message to my team that next season will be even harder and they will have to put in a lot of effort to win.”