ECN Austria-Belgium T20I, 2025: Austria (AUT) vs Belgium (BEL) – 1st T20I Preview
Event: ECN Austria-Belgium T20I, 2025
Match: Austria (AUT) vs Belgium (BEL), Single Group Match Day 1, Match 1 (1st T20I)
Date: 23 August 2025
Start Time: 10:15 Local Time | 12:45 IST
Venue: Cricket Club Velden 91
Format: T20
Toss: Austria won the toss and elected to field
Match Type: Group Match
Setting the Stage
The much-anticipated ECN Austria-Belgium T20I, 2025, kicks off with a high-voltage clash between Austria (AUT) and Belgium (BEL) at the picturesque Cricket Club Velden 91. With both teams boasting impressive win percentages—Austria at 60.2% (53 wins in 88 matches) and Belgium at 59.5% (44 wins in 74 matches)—this opening encounter promises to set the tone for the tournament.
Austria, having won the toss, will field first, looking to exploit any early morning conditions and put pressure on Belgium’s batters. Both sides are packed with dynamic all-rounders, explosive batters, and crafty bowlers, making this a contest to watch for cricket fans and fantasy enthusiasts alike.
Predicted Standouts: Who Will Shine?
Most 6s in the Match:
Karanbir Singh (AUT) – With a career average of 3 sixes per match and a staggering 181 sixes in 57 matches, Singh is the clear favorite to clear the ropes most often.Most Runs in the Match:
Karanbir Singh (AUT) – Averaging 29 runs per match, Singh’s consistency and power-hitting make them the top candidate for the highest run-scorer.Most Wickets in the Match:
Iftikhar Kankhel (BEL) & Rafiullah Alokzai (BEL) – Both bowlers average 1 wicket per match, the highest among all players in this fixture.Match MVP (Highest Career Fantasy Points Average):
Bilal Zalmai (AUT) – With an average of 96 fantasy points per match, Zalmai’s all-round prowess makes them the top pick for MVP.
Team Introductions & Key Stats
Austria (AUT)
- Matches Played: 88 | Wins: 53 | Win %: 60.2%
- Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Bilal Zalmai (96 per match)
- Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Data not available (first match)
- Top Six-Hitter: Karanbir Singh (181 sixes)
- Top Wicket-Taker: Sahel Zadran (career: 1961 bowling fantasy points, 2 three-wicket hauls)
Austria enters the contest with a balanced squad, featuring explosive batters and versatile all-rounders. Their depth in both departments is reflected in their impressive win record.
Belgium (BEL)
- Matches Played: 74 | Wins: 44 | Win %: 59.5%
- Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Aziz Mohammad (49 per match)
- Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Data not available (first match)
- Top Six-Hitter: Sherry Butt (141 sixes)
- Top Wicket-Taker: Iftikhar Kankhel (career: 845 bowling fantasy points, 1 wicket per match)
Belgium’s squad is built around dynamic all-rounders and power-hitters, with a proven ability to win tight matches. Their bowling attack, led by Kankhel and Alokzai, will be crucial in this contest.
Player Highlights
Austria (AUT)
Karanbir Singh – All-Rounder (AUT)
With 5341 career fantasy points and an average of 94 per match, Singh is Austria’s most explosive player. Their 181 sixes and 12 fifties (including 2 hundreds) in just 57 matches underline their ability to dominate any bowling attack. Singh’s all-round skills are further highlighted by 1263 bowling fantasy points and a Player of the Match award ratio of 0.21, making them a genuine match-winner.
Bilal Zalmai – All-Rounder (AUT)
Zalmai’s all-round credentials are unmatched, with a career fantasy average of 96 per match and 3438 total points. Their batting is particularly potent—105 sixes, 6 fifties, and a top score of 79. With 1005 bowling fantasy points and 9 Player of the Match awards (0.25 ratio), Zalmai is a consistent performer who can turn the game with both bat and ball.
Amar Naeem – Wicket-Keeper (AUT)
Naeem brings stability and firepower, averaging 59 fantasy points per match. With 108 sixes and 7 fifties in 56 matches, they are a reliable top-order batter. Naeem’s wicket-keeping skills are also notable, with 21 catches and 2 stumpings, making them a dual threat.
Aqib Iqbal – All-Rounder, Captain (AUT)
Iqbal’s leadership is backed by 5341 career fantasy points and 13 Player of the Match awards. Their 133 sixes and 9 fifties show their batting prowess, while 1855 bowling fantasy points reflect their impact with the ball. Iqbal’s all-round consistency makes them a key figure in Austria’s campaign.
Belgium (BEL)
Aziz Mohammad – All-Rounder (BEL)
Aziz Mohammad is Belgium’s fantasy leader, with 3015 points and a 49 per match average. Their 102 sixes and a career-best 100 underline their batting power, while 670 bowling fantasy points and 11 Player of the Match awards (0.18 ratio) highlight their all-round value.
Sherry Butt – Batsman (BEL)
Butt is Belgium’s six-hitting machine, with 141 sixes and 3725 career fantasy points (50 per match). Their 8 fifties and a top score of 95 make them a constant threat at the top of the order. Butt’s fielding is also exceptional, with 42 catches and 382 fielding fantasy points.
Iftikhar Kankhel – Bowler (BEL)
Kankhel leads Belgium’s bowling attack, averaging 1 wicket per match and 35 bowling fantasy points per match. With 845 bowling fantasy points and a Player of the Match award, Kankhel’s consistency with the ball will be vital.
Burhan Niaz – All-Rounder (BEL)
Niaz is a versatile performer, with 2750 career fantasy points and 44 per match on average. Their 102 sixes and 7 fifties show their batting ability, while 263 bowling fantasy points add to their all-round credentials. Niaz’s 6 Player of the Match awards (0.10 ratio) make them a player to watch.
Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head
Karanbir Singh (AUT) vs Iftikhar Kankhel (BEL):
Singh’s power-hitting (3 sixes per match, 29 runs per match) will be tested by Kankhel’s wicket-taking ability (1 wicket per match, 35 bowling fantasy points per match).Bilal Zalmai (AUT) vs Aziz Mohammad (BEL):
Both are all-rounders with high fantasy averages (Zalmai: 96, Aziz: 49). Their battle in the middle overs could be decisive.Sherry Butt (BEL) vs Sahel Zadran (AUT):
Butt’s six-hitting (141 sixes) faces Zadran’s experience (1961 bowling fantasy points, 2 three-wicket hauls).
Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations
Safe Choices:
- Karanbir Singh (AUT): Consistent all-rounder, highest sixes and runs per match, high fantasy average.
- Bilal Zalmai (AUT): Highest fantasy average, proven match-winner with both bat and ball.
Bold Choices:
- Aziz Mohammad (BEL): All-rounder with high impact potential, especially if Belgium bats first.
- Sherry Butt (BEL): Explosive batter, capable of a big score and fielding points.
Insights & Key Matchups
- Austria’s all-round depth (Singh, Zalmai, Iqbal) gives them a slight edge, especially with multiple players capable of contributing in all departments.
- Belgium’s bowling attack (Kankhel, Alokzai) will be crucial in containing Austria’s power-hitters.
- Fielding could be a differentiator, with players like Sherry Butt and Walid Sahibzada (16 catches, 6 fielding points per match) capable of turning the game with sharp work in the field.
Potential Game-Changers:
- Karanbir Singh (AUT): Can dominate with the bat and chip in with the ball.
- Bilal Zalmai (AUT): All-round impact, especially if Austria chases.
- Aziz Mohammad (BEL): Capable of a match-winning performance with both bat and ball.
- Iftikhar Kankhel (BEL): Key to breaking Austria’s batting momentum.
Final Word
With both teams evenly matched and packed with all-round talent, the 1st T20I of the ECN Austria-Belgium T20I, 2025, promises a thrilling start to the tournament. Expect fireworks from the likes of Karanbir Singh and Sherry Butt, and keep an eye on the all-rounders who could tip the balance in their team’s favor. Fantasy managers and cricket fans alike are in for a treat as Austria and Belgium battle for early supremacy.
Stay tuned for live action from Cricket Club Velden 91!
- Bilal Zalmai – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 96.0 – AUT
- Karanbir Singh – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 94.0 – AUT
- Hamid Safi – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 69.0 – AUT
- Amar Naeem – Wicket-Keeper – Avg. Points: 59.0 – AUT
- Sherry Butt – Batsman – Avg. Points: 50.0 – BEL
- Aqib Iqbal – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 50.0 – AUT
- Rafiullah Alokzai – Bowler – Avg. Points: 48.0 – BEL
- Aziz Mohammad – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 49.0 – BEL
- Burhan Niaz – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 44.0 – BEL
- Iftikhar Kankhel – Bowler – Avg. Points: 44.0 – BEL
- Oliver Herrington – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 43.0 – BEL
Number of players from each team:
• Austria (AUT): 5
• Belgium (BEL): 6
Number of players from each skill type:
• All-Rounder: 6
• Bowler: 2
• Batsman: 1
• Wicket-Keeper: 1
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