ECI Croatia-Cyprus, 2025: Croatia (CRO) vs Cyprus (CYP) – Match 7 Preview
Event: ECI Croatia-Cyprus, 2025
Match: Croatia (CRO) vs Cyprus (CYP), Single Group Match Day 2, Match 7
Date: 10 August 2025
Start Time: 13:15 Local Time | 15:45 IST
Venue: Mladost Cricket Ground, Zagreb
Format: T10
Match Type: Group Match
Toss: Croatia won the toss and elected to bat
Spotlight on the Stars: Who Will Shine Brightest?
- Most 6s Prediction:
Luke Vukusic (CRO) and Zach Vukusic (CRO) both average 2 sixes per match, the highest in this contest. - Most Runs Prediction:
Luke Vukusic (CRO) and Zach Vukusic (CRO) also lead with a career average of 25 runs per match. - Most Wickets Prediction:
While no player averages more than 0 wickets per match, Kresimir Kekez (CRO) and Roshan Siriwardena (CYP) have both taken 3 and 4 wickets in a match, respectively, and have strong bowling fantasy point records. - Match MVP Prediction:
Mangala Gunasekara (CYP) stands out with a career average of 61 fantasy points per match.
Team Introductions & Key Stats
Croatia (CRO)
- Matches Played: 47
- Matches Won: 11
- Win Percentage: 23.4%
- Strongest Player (Career Avg. Fantasy Points):Luke Vukusic (83 per match)
- Strongest Player (Current Event Avg. Fantasy Points):Luke Vukusic (83 per match)
- Top Six-Hitter:Zach Vukusic (28 career sixes)
- Top Wicket-Taker:Kresimir Kekez (3 wickets in a match, 16 avg. bowling fantasy points)
Cyprus (CYP)
- Matches Played: 36
- Matches Won: 9
- Win Percentage: 25%
- Strongest Player (Career Avg. Fantasy Points):Mangala Gunasekara (61 per match)
- Strongest Player (Current Event Avg. Fantasy Points):Ruel Brathwaite (45 per match)
- Top Six-Hitter:Mangala Gunasekara (123 career sixes)
- Top Wicket-Taker:Roshan Siriwardena (4 wickets in a match, 14 avg. bowling fantasy points)
Player Highlights
Croatia (CRO)
Luke Vukusic – Batsman
A rising star for Croatia, Luke Vukusic has made a massive impact in just 4 matches, amassing 332 career fantasy points at a staggering average of 83 per match. His current event form is equally impressive, with 83 points per match. With 8 sixes and 8 fours already, he’s a genuine power-hitter, averaging 2 sixes and 25 runs per match. His all-round fantasy value is boosted by 22 average bowling points and 8 fielding points per match, making him a top all-round fantasy pick.
Zach Vukusic – All-Rounder (Captain)
Zach Vukusic is another Croatian dynamo, with 746 career fantasy points from just 10 matches (75 per match). He’s been in fine touch this event, averaging 40 points per match. With 28 sixes and 14 fours, he matches his brother’s six-hitting prowess and run-scoring ability. His fielding is also sharp, with 5 catches and 5 fielding points per match. Zach’s two Player of the Match awards (20% ratio) underline his match-winning potential.
Rashid Hashmi – Wicket-Keeper
A seasoned campaigner, Hashmi has 1,712 career fantasy points (34 per match) and is in red-hot form this event (44 per match). With 40 sixes, 55 fours, and 2 fifties, he’s a reliable run-getter. His fielding is top-notch, with 20 catches and 10 stumpings, and he’s claimed 5 Player of the Match awards (10% ratio).
Oliver Tilley – Wicket-Keeper
Tilley’s 10-match career has already yielded 569 fantasy points (57 per match), with a current event average of 49. He’s a big-match player, with a highest single-match fantasy haul of 185. His batting (16 fours, 7 sixes) and bowling (21 avg. points) make him a valuable all-rounder, and he’s already earned a Player of the Match award.
Cyprus (CYP)
Mangala Gunasekara – All-Rounder
Gunasekara is the fantasy juggernaut of this match, with 4,815 career points (61 per match) and 110 in the current event. He’s a six-hitting machine (123 career sixes, 1 per match), and his 6 fifties and 134 fours make him a consistent run-scorer (18 runs per match). With 1,268 bowling points and 16 avg. per match, he’s a true all-round threat. His 13 Player of the Match awards (16.5% ratio) highlight his game-changing ability.
Ruel Brathwaite – Wicket-Keeper (Captain)
Brathwaite’s 10-match career has been explosive: 391 points (39 per match), with a current event average of 45. He’s already scored a fifty in this event and has 8 sixes and 15 fours in his career. His top score of 89 and a Player of the Match award (10% ratio) make him a key player for Cyprus.
Waqar Ali – Bowler
A veteran with 87 matches, Waqar Ali has 2,058 career fantasy points (24 per match) and 177 in the current event (35 per match). His bowling is his strength, with 1,717 points (20 per match) and a five-wicket haul to his name. He’s also a six-time Player of the Match winner (6.9% ratio).
Aminul Islam – Bowler
Islam brings 1,753 career points (27 per match) and 64 in the current event (16 per match). He’s a consistent wicket-taker, with 1,062 bowling points (16 per match), and has three three-wicket hauls and a four-wicket match. Four Player of the Match awards (6% ratio) show his ability to deliver under pressure.
Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head
Power Hitters:
Luke Vukusic (CRO) vs Mangala Gunasekara (CYP)- Both average 1+ sixes per match, but Gunasekara’s 123 career sixes dwarf Vukusic’s 8 (in fewer matches).
- Vukusic’s 25 runs per match vs Gunasekara’s 18 per match sets up a fascinating battle.
Wicket-Takers:
Kresimir Kekez (CRO) vs Roshan Siriwardena (CYP)- Both have taken 3+ wickets in a match, but Siriwardena’s 1,365 bowling points (14 per match) and 4-wicket best give him the edge.
Fantasy MVPs:
Mangala Gunasekara (CYP) (61 avg.) vs Luke Vukusic (CRO) (83 avg. in 4 matches)- Both are high-ceiling fantasy picks, with Gunasekara’s consistency and Vukusic’s explosive start.
Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations
Safe Choices:
- Mangala Gunasekara (CYP): Consistent all-rounder, high fantasy average, proven match-winner.
- Luke Vukusic (CRO): Explosive form, high ceiling, contributes in all departments.
Bold Choices:
- Zach Vukusic (CRO): Big six-hitter, high fantasy average, and a knack for big performances.
- Ruel Brathwaite (CYP): In-form, high event average, and capable of a match-winning knock.
Insights & Key Matchups
Potential Game-Changers:
- Mangala Gunasekara’s all-round ability and six-hitting power can turn the match in Cyprus’ favour.
- Luke and Zach Vukusic’s aggressive batting and fielding prowess could give Croatia the edge, especially if they fire in tandem.
- Waqar Ali and Aminul Islam’s bowling could be decisive in the T10 format, where wickets are gold dust.
- Rashid Hashmi’s experience and finishing skills make him a dark horse for MVP.
Fantasy Focus:
- All-rounders and wicket-keepers are likely to dominate the fantasy charts, given their multi-faceted contributions.
- Watch for late-order hitters and bowlers who can pick up quick wickets in the death overs.
Final Word
With both teams boasting explosive batters and crafty bowlers, Match 7 of the ECI Croatia-Cyprus, 2025 promises high-octane action at Mladost Cricket Ground. Croatia’s decision to bat first sets the stage for their power-hitters, but Cyprus’ all-round depth and experience could prove decisive. Expect fireworks, close contests, and plenty of fantasy points in this T10 showdown!
- Luke Vukusic – Batsman – Avg. Points: 83.0 – CRO
- Zach Vukusic – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 75.0 – CRO
- Mangala Gunasekara – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 61.0 – CYP
- Oliver Tilley – Wicket-Keeper – Avg. Points: 57.0 – CRO
- Ruel Brathwaite – Wicket-Keeper – Avg. Points: 39.0 – CYP
- Saghar Manzoor – Batsman – Avg. Points: 39.0 – CRO
- Rashid Hashmi – Wicket-Keeper – Avg. Points: 34.0 – CRO
- Roman Mazumder – Wicket-Keeper – Avg. Points: 32.0 – CYP
- Aminul Islam – Bowler – Avg. Points: 27.0 – CYP
- Scott Bevin – Bowler – Avg. Points: 26.0 – CRO
- Roshan Siriwardena – Batsman – Avg. Points: 26.0 – CYP
Number of players in the list from each team:
• Croatia (CRO): 6
• Cyprus (CYP): 5
Number of players from each skill type:
• Batsman: 3
• All-Rounder: 2
• Wicket-Keeper: 4
• Bowler: 2
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