Belgium’s international cricket history dates from the early 20th century when a regular Telegraph Cup tournament in Brussels was played against their neighbours the Netherlands from 1905. Ties between the countries remain, with Cricket Belgium placing a strong emphasis on youth and women’s development, using specialist coaches to spread the game to the next generation of cricketers.
Ranked 40th in the ICC T20 World Rankings going into the tournament, Belgium can boast a host of proven ECS performers in their ranks, all comfortable in this high-octane format.
Belgium qualified for Championship Week as winners of Group A in impressive fashion beating the hosts Spain.
Coach: Abhijit Harikrishna Khan
Captain: Sheraz Sheikh
Wicketkeeper: Ali Raza
Projected Top Order: Aziz Mohammad, Muneeb Muhammad, Ali Raza, Omid Rahimi, Faisal Mehmood
Projected Opening Bowlers: Shagharai Sefat, Adnan Razzaq
Spin Options: Sheraz Sheikh, Murid Ekrami
KEY PLAYERS
Saber Zakhil - fearsome hitter, currently lies fourth in the world for sixes hit this year in T20i with 19 in seven matches. Also recently broke the T20 World Record (with Raja Saqlain), posting an undefeated 132 for a 9th wicket stand in the series against Austria. Started with intent at ECC with some massive hitting.
Aziz Mohammad, destructive right handed batsman who has impressed in ECS tournaments in Spain last season and most recently in the Netherlands. Can also deliver useful wickets as a change bowler.
Shagharai Sefat, produced some impressive spells in recent ECS history and spearheaded the Belgian attack, finishing with 10 wickets in the group stage of ECC21. Also capable of wielding the willow to devastating effect.
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