The Norwegian Cricket Board became an affiliate member of the ICC in 2000, and the national side played its first international match later that year. Norway has performed at a high level in international competitions in Europe for decades, and has consistently been ranked in the top 10 among European associate members.
In 2006, Norway won the ECC Division Two Championships and took the ICC Europe Division Two title in 2014. After previously relying on expat cricketers, Norway has recently benefitted from a young and exciting pipeline of homegrown talent.
Norway impressed in the recent Tri-Series in August in Germany, blasting the highest score in the T20i competition before losing the final to hosts Germany. Going into the tournament, Norway are the top ranked side in Group A sitting in 39 in the ICC T20 mens rankings.
Captain: Raza Iqbal
Wicketkeeper: Khizer Ahmed
Projected Top Order: Raza Iqbal, Khizer Ahmed, 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. He made 125 runs and took nine wickets at an economy of 3.35 in the tournament. In the Regional qualifiers in 2020, he also bagged five wickets with his left-arm wrist spin. Naturally, top wicket taker for Norway in the recent Tri-Series with seven scalps.
Wahidullah Sahak, top-order batsman, took a definite liking to the Germany attack in Match 6 of the recent Tri-Series, smashing a half-century to guide Norway to the highest score in the series.
Mohammed Sher Sahak - a difference maker with both bat and ball who caught eye in the recent Tri-Series.
Hayatullah Niazi - 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 with the bat.
