The new and fresh venture sees 15 teams feature in three groups of five, with each group meeting over a separate week of T10 action. Each group will feature 24 T10 games - a double round-robin and a playoff. The leading two countries in each group will advance to a Finals Week scheduled from October 4-8 in Spain.
European Cricket Network live broadcasts five T10 matches on Day 4 of the 2021 Dream11 European Cricket Championship on Thursday 16 September.
Luxembourg are on the brink of elimination but the race continues to finish in the top two with Spain and leaders Belgium looking good. Sweden has slipped of late while Norway has shown massive improvement as well.
Group A
BEL Belgium (5-1, NRR+2.198)
SPA Spain (4-1, NRR+1.632)
NOR Norway (2-3, NRR+1.284)
SWE Sweden (2-3, NRR-0.081)
LUX Luxembourg (0-5, NRR-5.459)
European Cricket Championship 2021
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MATCH 16 (ECC21.016)
SWEDEN (SWE) v LUXEMBOURG (LUX)
0700 GMT | 0900 CET | 1230 IST
SWE Timeline: W W NR L L L (Avg Score For 117, Avg Score Against 118)
LUX Timeline: LL NR L L L (Avg Score For 86, Avg Score Against 139)
SWEDEN (SWE)
Captain: Abhijit Venkatesh
Wicketkeeper: Ismaeel Zia
Projected Top Order: Share Ali, Rahel Khan, Azam Khalil, Abhijit Venkatesh
Projected Opening Bowlers: Khalid Zahid, Zabi Zahid, Qudratullah Mir Afzal
Spin Options: Azam Khalil, Oktai Gholami, Rahel Khan
SWEDEN Key Players:
Azam Khalil, experienced campaigner in this format who contributes with bat and ball. Tireless worker on behalf of Swedish and European Cricket who will enjoy his moment in the sun here. Plundered 41 off just 12 balls vs Norway. Top wicket taker in the tournament picking up EIGHT wickets with a tournament best figures of 4-10.
Rahel Khan, a late call up who has seriously impressed with bat and ball in ECS cricket. Will be keen to take his chance on the big stage. The all-rounder has racked up 101 runs in five innings at a SR of 214.
Khalid Zahid, right arm pacer who can generate good speed, generally very tight with his line and lengths, second highest wicket taker for SWE with FIVE victims and has the best economy rate in the tournament conceding only at 4.71 runs per over!
Share Ali, one of the fiercest attacking batsmen in the Swedish batting line up. Get the Swedes off to a quick start. Top scorer for SWE racking up 118 runs in five including a quality unbeaten 63 off 24 balls vs LUX on Monday.
LUXEMBOURG (LUX)
Captain: Tony Whiteman
Wicketkeeper(s): Tony Whiteman, Akhilesh Kumar
Projected Top Order: Roshan Paul Vishwanath, Thomas Martin, Tony Whiteman, Aanand Pandey
Projected Opening Bowlers: Raju Akulwar, Ansh Trivedi
Spin Options: Tony Whiteman, Harpal Virdee
LUXEMBOURG Key Players:
Tony Whiteman, experienced cricketer, who will lead the side. Classical batting technique, but able to clear the rope with consummate ease. The oldest player in ECC21 at 52, showed he has lost none of his class with a brilliant 29-ball 63* vs SWE. Top scorer for LUX mustering 93 runs in three innings.
Roshan Vishwanath, another experienced cricketer who loves to keep his strike-rate above 150. Quick between the wickets and likes to set the standard in the field. Scored 78 runs in four games so far.
Thomas Martin, another strong hitter. Young gun with plenty of potential, will relish the step up to international level. Can clear the ropes with ease as well. Has racked up 86 runs in five games and is the second highest scorer for LUX.
Harpal Singh, talented off-spinner, has bowled well for his five wickets leading the wickets column for his side.
Luxembourg are the lowest ranked of the sides in Group A in the ICC T20 rankings at 54, and have unsurprisingly struggled to compete. LUX have battled bravely throughout though and will not give up easily. For Sweden this is a must win game to keep in the hunt for a top two spot.
Match Prediction: Sweden (SWE) to secure vital points with another success.
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MATCH 17 (ECC21.017)
NORWAY (NOR) v SPAIN (SPA)
0900 GMT | 1100 CET | 1430 IST
NOR Timeline: L L NR L W W (Avg Score For 127, Avg Score Against 115)
SPA Timeline: LW NR W W W (Avg Score For 117, Avg Score Against 98)
NORWAY (NOR)
Captain: Raza Iqbal
Wicketkeeper: Suhail Iftikhar
Projected Top Order:Raza Iqbal, Suhail Iftikhar, Walid Ghauri, Wahidullah Sahak
Projected Opening Bowlers:Vinay Ravi, Muhammad Sher Sahak, Hayatullah Niazi
Spin Options: Waqas Ahmed, Raza Iqbal, Pritvhi Bhart
NORWAY Key Players:
Raza Iqbal,the Norway captain is a brilliant all-rounder, who played a key role in helping Norway top Group C of 2018 ICC T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. The opener scored a 26-ball 52 vs Spain in the second game and is the top scorer for NOR racking up 118 runs in five innings.
Walid Ghauri, left handed top order batsman, second highest scorer for NOR scoring 98 runs in four innings including an unbeaten 25-ball 57 vs BEL. Has also picked up three wickets.
Vinay Ravi, right arm fast bowler, has good speed and is capable of moving the ball both ways, joint top wicket taker in the tournament scalping SEVEN wickets with a best return of 2-8.
Hayatullah Niazi, a seriously talented cricketer who has been playing in England this summer. Caught the eye at ICC WT20 Europe Qualifier as a 17-year-old. Will be one of the fastest bowlers in the tournament and can give it a whack too. Second highest wicket taker for Norway scalping FIVE wickets. Can also give it a whack with the bat.
SPAIN (SPA)
Captain: Christian Munoz-Mills
Wicketkeeper: Awais Ahmed
Projected Top Order: Awais Ahmed, Hamza Saleem, Yasir Ali, Asjad Butt,
Projected Opening Bowlers: Atif Mehmood, Adeel Raja
Spin Options: Jack Perman, Yasir Ali
SPAIN Key Players:
Kuldeep Lal, has caught the eye in ECS comps over the last two seasons for his all-round performances. Joint top wicket taker for SPA scalping FIVE wickets in five games with a tournament best return of 3-6.
Hamza Saleem, Prodigiously talented all-rounder, who made his international debut in the Tri-Series victory over Germany. Can make things happen with the ball and a quality left-hand bat, who can clear the fence with ease. Second highest scorer for Spain racking up 101 runs in five innings including two man of the match awards, showcasing his exquisite hitting.
Awais Ahmed, destructive wicket keeper batsman, likes to take control of the game from ball one, highest scorer for SPA, racking up 107 runs in five innings including a quickfire 45 off 18 balls.
Zulqarnain Haider, right arm pacer, has been impressive with the ball bowling good lines, joint top wicket taker for Spain scalping FIVE wickets at an ER of 7.50.
Spain have rallied remarkably after an opening defeat and remain on course for a top two spot. However, Norway are the top ranked side in the Group, sitting in 39 in the ICC T20 Mens rankings, and can put a serious spanner in the Spanish team’s works.
Match Prediction: Norway (NOR) to continue the momentum and edge past Spain in a close contest.
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MATCH 18 (ECC21.018)
SWEDEN (SWE) v BELGIUM (BEL)
1100 GMT | 1300 CET | 1630 IST
SWE Timeline: W W NR L L L (Avg Score For 117, Avg Score Against 118)
BEL Timeline: W W W W L W (Avg Score For 130, Avg Score Against 109)
SWEDEN (SWE)
Captain: Abhijit Venkatesh
Wicketkeeper: Ismaeel Zia
Projected Top Order: Share Ali, Rahel Khan, Azam Khalil, Abhijit Venkatesh
Projected Opening Bowlers: Khalid Zahid, Zabi Zahid, Qudratullah Mir Afzal
Spin Options: Azam Khalil, Oktai Gholami, Rahel Khan
SWEDEN Key Players:
Azam Khalil, experienced campaigner in this format who contributes with bat and ball. Tireless worker on behalf of Swedish and European Cricket who will enjoy his moment in the sun here. Plundered 41 off just 12 balls vs Norway. Top wicket taker in the tournament picking up EIGHT wickets with a tournament best figures of 4-10.
Rahel Khan, a late call up who has seriously impressed with bat and ball in ECS cricket. Will be keen to take his chance on the big stage. The all-rounder has racked up 101 runs in five innings at a SR of 214.
Khalid Zahid, right arm pacer who can generate good speed, generally very tight with his line and lengths, second highest wicket taker for SWE with FIVE victims and has the best economy rate in the tournament conceding only at 4.71 runs per over!
Share Ali, one of the fiercest attacking batsmen in the Swedish batting line up. Get the Swedes off to a quick start. Top scorer for SWE racking up 118 runs in five including a quality unbeaten 63 off 24 balls vs LUX on Monday.
BELGIUM (BEL)
Captain: Sheikh Sheraz
Wicketkeeper: Ali Raza
Projected Top Order: Aziz Mohammad, Mamoon Latif, Faisal Mehmood, Sheikh Sheraz, Saber Zakhil
Projected Opening Bowlers: Shagharai Sefat, Adnan Razzaq
Spin Options: SheikhSheraz, Murid Ekrami
BELGIUM Key Players:
Saber Zakhil, fearsome hitter, currently lies fourth in the world for sixes hit this year in T20i with 19 in seven matches. Top scorer for BEL plundering 106 runs and deservedly bagged back-to-back man of the match awards on the opening day.
Aziz Mohammad, destructive right handed batsman who has impressed in ECS tournaments in Spain last season and most recently in the Netherlands. Mustered 88 runs in six games at a sprightly SR of 282.
Shagharai Sefat, produced some impressive spells in recent ECS history, spearheads the Belgian attack. Joint top wicket taker for Belgium picking up SIX wickets. Returned best figures of 4-21 and blasted 28 off just nine balls to take his side to an emphatic victory over Sweden.
SheikhSheraz, captain who leads by example with bat and ball. Has played a few crucial knocks leading his side to victories mustering a total of 102 runs in the process.
Adnan Razzaq, right arm pacer who has decent pace and is consistent with the ball, joint top wicket taker for his side scalping SIX wickets.
Belgium slipped to their first defeat on Wednesday and face another tough test against the Swedes who have let their standards slip of late. The two sides played a high scoring thriller on Wednesday with Belgium prevailing comfortably in the end. Sweden will be eager to avenge the defeat.
Match Prediction: Belgium (BEL) to rack up a sixth win out of seven.
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MATCH 19 (ECC21.019)
NORWAY (NOR) v LUXEMBOURG (LUX)
1300 GMT | 1500 CET | 1830 IST
NOR Timeline: L L NR L W W (Avg Score For 127, Avg Score Against 115)
LUX Timeline: LL NR L L L (Avg Score For 86, Avg Score Against 139)
NORWAY (NOR)
Captain: Raza Iqbal
Wicketkeeper: Suhail Iftikhar
Projected Top Order:Raza Iqbal, Suhail Iftikhar, Walid Ghauri, Wahidullah Sahak
Projected Opening Bowlers:Vinay Ravi, Muhammad Sher Sahak, Hayatullah Niazi
Spin Options: Waqas Ahmed, Raza Iqbal, Pritvhi Bhart
NORWAY Key Players:
Raza Iqbal,the Norway captain is a brilliant all-rounder, who played a key role in helping Norway top Group C of 2018 ICC T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. The opener scored a 26-ball 52 vs Spain in the second game and is the top scorer for NOR racking up 118 runs in five innings.
Walid Ghauri, left handed top order batsman, second highest scorer for NOR scoring 98 runs in four innings including an unbeaten 25-ball 57 vs BEL. Has also picked up three wickets.
Vinay Ravi, right arm fast bowler, has good speed and is capable of moving the ball both ways, joint top wicket taker in the tournament scalping SEVEN wickets with a best return of 2-8.
Hayatullah Niazi, a seriously talented cricketer who has been playing in England this summer. Caught the eye at ICC WT20 Europe Qualifier as a 17-year-old. Will be one of the fastest bowlers in the tournament and can give it a whack too. Second highest wicket taker for Norway scalping FIVE wickets. Can also give it a whack with the bat.
LUXEMBOURG (LUX)
Captain: Tony Whiteman
Wicketkeeper(s): Tony Whiteman, Akhilesh Kumar
Projected Top Order: Roshan Paul Vishwanath, Thomas Martin, Tony Whiteman, Aanand Pandey
Projected Opening Bowlers: Raju Akulwar, Ansh Trivedi
Spin Options: Tony Whiteman, Harpal Virdee
LUXEMBOURG Key Players:
Tony Whiteman, experienced cricketer, who will lead the side. Classical batting technique, but able to clear the rope with consummate ease. The oldest player in ECC21 at 52, showed he has lost none of his class with a brilliant 29-ball 63* vs SWE. Top scorer for LUX mustering 93 runs in three innings.
Roshan Vishwanath, another experienced cricketer who loves to keep his strike-rate above 150. Quick between the wickets and likes to set the standard in the field. Scored 78 runs in four games so far.
Thomas Martin, another strong hitter. Young gun with plenty of potential, will relish the step up to international level. Can clear the ropes with ease as well. Has racked up 86 runs in five games and is the second highest scorer for LUX.
Harpal Singh, talented off-spinner, has bowled well for his five wickets leading the wickets column for his side.
Norway prevailed on Wednesday in a meeting of the bottom two and have moved up to third spot in the standings. Luxembourg are still searching for their first ECC win but with NOR returning to form, a win for LUX seems unlikely.
Match Prediction: Norway (NOR) to win four in a row.
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MATCH 20 (ECC21.020)
BELGIUM (BEL) v SPAIN (SPA)
1500 GMT | 1700 CET | 2030 IST
BEL Timeline: W W W W L W (Avg Score For 130, Avg Score Against 109)
SPA Timeline: LW NR W W W (Avg Score For 117, Avg Score Against 98)
BELGIUM (BEL)
Captain: Sheikh Sheraz
Wicketkeeper: Ali Raza
Projected Top Order: Aziz Mohammad, Mamoon Latif, Faisal Mehmood, Sheikh Sheraz, Saber Zakhil
Projected Opening Bowlers: Shagharai Sefat, Adnan Razzaq
Spin Options: SheikhSheraz, Murid Ekrami
BELGIUM Key Players:
Saber Zakhil, fearsome hitter, currently lies fourth in the world for sixes hit this year in T20i with 19 in seven matches. Top scorer for BEL plundering 106 runs and deservedly bagged back-to-back man of the match awards on the opening day.
Aziz Mohammad, destructive right handed batsman who has impressed in ECS tournaments in Spain last season and most recently in the Netherlands. Mustered 88 runs in six games at a sprightly SR of 282.
Shagharai Sefat, produced some impressive spells in recent ECS history, spearheads the Belgian attack. Joint top wicket taker for Belgium picking up SIX wickets. Returned best figures of 4-21 and blasted 28 off just nine balls to take his side to an emphatic victory over Sweden.
SheikhSheraz, captain who leads by example with bat and ball. Has played a few crucial knocks leading his side to victories mustering a total of 102 runs in the process.
Adnan Razzaq, right arm pacer who has decent pace and is consistent with the ball, joint top wicket taker for his side scalping SIX wickets.
SPAIN (SPA)
Captain: Christian Munoz-Mills
Wicketkeeper: Awais Ahmed
Projected Top Order: Awais Ahmed, Hamza Saleem, Yasir Ali, Asjad Butt,
Projected Opening Bowlers: Atif Mehmood, Adeel Raja
Spin Options: Jack Perman, Yasir Ali
SPAIN Key Players:
Kuldeep Lal, has caught the eye in ECS comps over the last two seasons for his all-round performances. Joint top wicket taker for SPA scalping FIVE wickets in five games with a tournament best return of 3-6.
Hamza Saleem, Prodigiously talented all-rounder, who made his international debut in the Tri-Series victory over Germany. Can make things happen with the ball and a quality left-hand bat, who can clear the fence with ease. Second highest scorer for Spain racking up 101 runs in five innings including two man of the match awards, showcasing his exquisite hitting.
Awais Ahmed, destructive wicket keeper batsman, likes to take control of the game from ball one, highest scorer for SPA, racking up 107 runs in five innings including a quickfire 45 off 18 balls.
Zulqarnain Haider, right arm pacer, has been impressive with the ball bowling good lines, joint top wicket taker for Spain scalping FIVE wickets at an ER of 7.50.
Hosts Spain and leaders Belgium return to play the reverse fixture of the ECC opener. While Belgium will look to add another win in their records, Spain will be keen to even things out against the buoyant Belgians.
Match Prediction: Belgium (BEL) to win convincingly and nail down a the top spot.
