Author: Hassan Abbas Kara

2019 – Week 6 – Power Rankings

With one week remaining in the season, it seems that we are having a photo finish for the top spot in both the standings and the equally important Power Rankings. Every team has moved from their position last week, read below to find out which way your team moved!

Rank Change Team Notes
1 The return of Miqdad Jaffer did not seem to faze the Lions as they disposed of the Wolves and Tigers, scoring double digits in both games. They hold a three point lead heading into the final week, but with matches against the surging Falcons and Bucks, they will need to bring their A game.
2 The Wolves can’t seem to get the upper hand on the Lions, but they did dispose of the Eagles quite easily. With them needing to win both their games next week to have a shot at first place, will Minhal Jaffer recover in time to carry this team?
3 Although the Tigers did have a win last week, it was against the shorthanded Eagles, who had Ali Manek and Hasanain Panju leave after their disastrous lost to the Wolves. Their one real match of the week was against the Lions, and although they lost, they did keep up and manage double digits. Can they end of the season with some wins, or will they fall short yet again?
4 The Bucks went undefeated last week, with a tie against the Falcons and a solid win versus the Owls. They need to be able to keep up this momentum next week, as they face a tough Eagles team and the first place Lions.
5 Its no secret that I am a fan of the Falcons, and they proved last week how solid of a team they are. With a gritty tie versus the Bucks and beating the Owls, they showed they can handle pressure, and they are not to be taken lightly. The question is: can they keep this spectacular play come playoff time, or was this a fluke performance?
6 This week could not have gone much worse for the Eagles, with two horrible losses. They were -22 on the day, but there is a positive; they can only go up from here, and we should expect them to bounce back next week to close the season.
7 What is happening with the Owls?? They’ve lost their last 6 games, and 8 of their last 10 games. They led the Power Rankings a couple of weeks ago, but oh how the might have fallen. They obviously need to change something, otherwise expect a swift first round playoff exit from this team.

 

2019 – Week 5 – Power Rankings

As Week 5 came and went, we have some rearrangement in the middle of the pack, but we still have the same leader! Read below to find out where your team ranks.

Rank Change Team Notes
1 The Wolves had an even week, but they remain in first place because the three teams below them had average to below average weeks. They are lucky to have stayed in the top spot this week, but let’s see if they can hold this spot for three weeks in a row.
2 The Tigers are the second of three teams to hold their spot from last week to this week, and also like the Wolves, they had an even week. However, I am a big fan of the Tigers and I see them taking over the Wolves in next week’s edition.
3 With Abbas Allidina (Pitcher of the week) taking over the mound and dealing strikes left right and centre, the Lions won two straight. That the absence of their captain, Miqdad Jaffer, didn’t seem to phase them; begs the question will his return ruin the team’s momentum and ultimately having them drop in the rankings?
4 The Eagles replicated their success last week and went undefeated AGAIN. I called this happening last week, and it seems that I spoke it into existence. With them being unbeaten in their last 5 games, they seem to be heating up at the perfect time, but it would be a shame for them to start spiralling..
5 The Bucks won and lost last week, but keep in mind they STILL haven’t had a full team show up. They were only missing one player, but they seem to be on the right track in terms of attendance. In terms of playing ability, that also seems to be on the come-up with their thrashing of the Owls, but consistency has been an issue for a lot of teams, and this team is no different.
6 The Owls have lost their last 4 games in spectacular fashion. They seem to have all been caught with the case of the “yips”, and the bug doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. They have to step up quickly, otherwise they will drop to last place.
7 It seems like every year I pick on the Falcons to be last, but I am actually a fan of this team. They have all the right pieces to be a contender, but something isn’t clicking. I am sure that a team bonding session with exercises such as trust falls will help them climb out of the basement.

 

2019 – Week 4 – Power Rankings

It seems like every week we have new teams at the top, and this week is no different. Read ahead to see who takes over as number 1, and where your team ranks in this week’s edition of the Power Rankings.

Rank Change Team Notes
1 The Wolves have found their way to the top of the standings and the Power Rankings, with the return of Imran Virji leading them to wins in their last 4 games. Expect this dominance to continue next week and more wins to follow.
2 You heard it here last week folks, we called the Tigers bouncing back, and bounced back they did, being the other team to win both games last week. They consistently have their players hitting up and down the lineup, and they are currently the team to beat in my opinion.
3 The Owls have struggled with consistency all year long, and last week was no different. After going 2-0 in week 3, they reversed the script and went winless last week. They seem to be having trouble, and it will continue if captain Kumail Meghani goes another week with only one measly hit. He has to step up, otherwise his team is gonna plunge in both the standings and the Power Rankings.
4 The Bucks have struggled with attendance this year, reminiscent of last year’s Owls. The common denominator: star Irfahn Khimji, veteran Salim Chagani, and perennial no-show Hassan Abbas Kara. HAK has played less games than the reserves on this team, but assistant captain Nadim Rahemtulla is trying his best to cover up by going 8 for 8 last week. If the Bucks want to get some good results, they need their players to show up.
5 The Eagles FINALLY had an undefeated week, and I think these results will continue and not cease. They were supposed to be the top team heading into the season, and they are finally realizing their potential. Personally, I thought they lost the trade with the Lions, but maybe there is some upside for the Eagles. Look for them to continue and prolong this hot streak of finally winning games.
6 The Lions dropped a game this week and tied the other, and this seems out of pocket for this team. Considering the hot start they had, they’ve cooled off considerably, but I am still backing them to finish near the top. For now, they drop to 6th, but look for them to be higher next week.
7 The Falcons went 1-1 on the week, and they seem to be the epitome of mediocrity. They win a couple of games, then they lose a couple of games, and they never seem to gain any traction. They need to string together some wins in order to rise up the standings.