ECN Austria-Belgium T20I, 2025: Austria (AUT) vs Belgium (BEL) – 4th T20I Preview
Match: ECN Austria-Belgium T20I, 2025 Single Group Match Day 2 Match 4
Teams: Austria (AUT) vs Belgium (BEL)
Date: 24 August 2025
Start Time: 14:00 Local | 16:30 IST
Venue: Cricket Club Velden 91
Format: T20
Match Type: Group Match
Toss: Belgium won the toss and elected to bat
Spotlight on the Stars: Who Will Shine Brightest?
- Most Sixes Prediction: Karanbir Singh (AUT) – Career average of 3 sixes per match
- Most Runs Prediction: Karanbir Singh (AUT) – Career average of 29 runs per match
- Most Wickets Prediction: Rafiullah Alokzai (BEL) & Iftikhar Kankhel (BEL) – Both average 1 wicket per match
- Match MVP Prediction: Bilal Zalmai (AUT) – Career average of 96 points per match
Team Overviews
Austria (AUT)
- Matches Played: 91
- Matches Won: 56
- Win Percentage: 61.5%
- Strongest Player (Career Average): Bilal Zalmai (96 per match)
- Strongest Player (Current Event): Data not available
- Top Six-Hitter: Karanbir Singh (181 career sixes)
- Top Wicket-Taker: Sahel Zadran (career bowling points: 1961, 118 matches)
Austria enters this contest with a formidable record and a well-balanced squad. Their strength lies in their all-rounders, with Bilal Zalmai and Karanbir Singh both capable of changing the game with bat or ball. The team’s ability to clear the ropes and take crucial wickets makes them a force to be reckoned with.
Belgium (BEL)
- Matches Played: 77
- Matches Won: 44
- Win Percentage: 57.1%
- Strongest Player (Career Average): Sherry Butt (50 per match)
- Strongest Player (Current Event): Data not available
- Top Six-Hitter: Sherry Butt (141 career sixes)
- Top Wicket-Taker: Rafiullah Alokzai & Iftikhar Kankhel (average 1 wicket per match)
Belgium, with a solid win percentage, boasts a dynamic lineup led by captain Sherry Butt. Their squad features several all-rounders and bowlers who can make an impact, especially in the middle overs. The team’s depth and experience in T20 cricket will be crucial in this high-stakes encounter.
Player Highlights
Austria (AUT)
Karanbir Singh – All-Rounder
Karanbir Singh stands out as Austria’s most explosive batter, with a remarkable 181 sixes and 107 fours in just 57 matches. Averaging 29 runs per match and 3 sixes per game, Singh is a constant threat to opposition bowlers. His all-round prowess is further highlighted by 12 fifties, 2 hundreds, and a top score of 119. With 13 Player of the Match awards (22.8% of matches), Singh is a proven match-winner.
Bilal Zalmai – All-Rounder
With an average of 96 per match, Bilal Zalmai is Austria’s most consistent performer. In 36 matches, he has amassed 105 sixes and 66 fours, with 6 fifties and a top score of 79. Zalmai’s bowling adds another dimension, with 1005 bowling points and three 3-wicket hauls. His 9 Player of the Match awards (25% of matches) underline his ability to deliver under pressure.
Aqib Iqbal – All-Rounder, Captain
Aqib Iqbal brings leadership and experience, having played 107 matches. With 133 sixes and 73 fours, he is a reliable contributor with the bat. Iqbal’s all-round skills are evident in his 1855 bowling points and 14 Player of the Match awards (13% of matches). His fielding, with 35 catches, adds further value to the team.
Mehar Cheema – Wicket-Keeper
Cheema is a key figure behind the stumps, with 25 catches and 20 stumpings in 64 matches. With the bat, he has 71 sixes and 69 fours, averaging 14 runs per match. Cheema’s 4 Player of the Match awards reflect his ability to influence games both with the gloves and the bat.
Belgium (BEL)
Sherry Butt – Batsman, Captain
Sherry Butt is Belgium’s leading batter, with 141 sixes and 95 fours in 75 matches. Averaging 18 runs per match, Butt has 8 fifties and a top score of 95. His leadership is complemented by 5 Player of the Match awards and a strong fielding record with 42 catches.
Burhan Niaz – All-Rounder
Niaz is a versatile all-rounder with 102 sixes and 74 fours in 63 matches. He averages 16 runs per match and has 7 fifties to his name. With 6 Player of the Match awards, Niaz is a proven performer in high-pressure situations.
Rafiullah Alokzai – Bowler
Alokzai is Belgium’s most reliable wicket-taker, averaging 1 wicket per match over 28 games. He has two 3-wicket hauls and is also a handy lower-order batter with 9 sixes. His fielding is solid, with 7 catches.
Iftikhar Kankhel – Bowler
Kankhel matches Alokzai’s wicket-taking ability, also averaging 1 wicket per match in 24 games. He has 3 sixes and 6 catches, and his Player of the Match award highlights his potential to deliver a game-changing performance.
Key Player Matchups
Karanbir Singh (AUT) vs Sherry Butt (BEL):
Both are their team’s leading six-hitters and run-scorers. Singh’s higher sixes-per-match and run average give him a slight edge, but Butt’s consistency and experience make this a marquee battle.Bilal Zalmai (AUT) vs Rafiullah Alokzai (BEL):
Zalmai’s all-round ability will be tested by Alokzai’s wicket-taking prowess. With both players capable of turning the match, this duel could be decisive.Aqib Iqbal (AUT) vs Iftikhar Kankhel (BEL):
Iqbal’s all-round skills and leadership will be up against Kankhel’s disciplined bowling. Both have the ability to swing momentum in their team’s favor.
Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations
Safe Choices:
- Karanbir Singh (AUT): Consistent with both bat and ball, and a high rate of match-winning performances.
- Bilal Zalmai (AUT): Outstanding all-rounder with a proven record of delivering in big matches.
Bold Choices:
- Sherry Butt (BEL): Capable of explosive innings and leading from the front.
- Rafiullah Alokzai (BEL): Reliable wicket-taker who can also contribute with the bat.
Insights & Key Matchups
This 4th T20I promises to be a high-octane contest, with both teams boasting power-hitters and effective bowlers. Austria’s edge lies in their all-rounders, particularly Karanbir Singh and Bilal Zalmai, who can dominate with both bat and ball. Belgium, however, has a balanced attack, with Sherry Butt anchoring the batting and Alokzai and Kankhel leading the bowling.
Potential Game-Changers:
- Karanbir Singh (AUT): His ability to clear the boundary and pick up wickets makes him a constant threat.
- Bilal Zalmai (AUT): A true all-rounder who can influence the game in all departments.
- Sherry Butt (BEL): If he gets going, Belgium’s total could soar.
- Rafiullah Alokzai (BEL): His knack for breakthroughs could halt Austria’s momentum.
With both teams eager to assert dominance in the group stage, expect a fiercely contested match at Cricket Club Velden 91. The blend of experience, power-hitting, and tactical bowling sets the stage for a memorable T20 encounter.
Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis on the official event website.
- Bilal Zalmai – All-Rounder – [AUT]
- Karanbir Singh – All-Rounder – [AUT]
- Aqib Iqbal – All-Rounder – [AUT]
- Sherry Butt – Batter – [BEL]
- Rafiullah Alokzai – Bowler – [BEL]
- Burhan Niaz – All-Rounder – [BEL]
- Iftikhar Kankhel – Bowler – [BEL]
- Oliver Herrington – All-Rounder – [BEL]
- Mehar Cheema – Wicket-Keeper – [AUT]
- Ranjit Singh – Batter – [AUT]
- Baseer Khan – Batter – [AUT]
Number of players from each team:
• Austria (AUT): 6
• Belgium (BEL): 5
Number of players from each skill type:
• All-Rounder: 4
• Bowler: 2
• Batter: 3
• Wicket-Keeper: 1
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