ECN Bulgaria T20I, 2025: Bulgaria (BUL) vs Turkiye (TUR) – Match 2 Preview

Event: ECN Bulgaria T20I, 2025
Match: Bulgaria (BUL) vs Turkiye (TUR), Single Group Match Day 1, Match 2
Date: 10 July 2025
Start Time: 14:00 Local Time | 15:30 IST
Venue: Vasil Levski National Sports Academy
Format: T20
Toss: Bulgaria won the toss and elected to field
Match Type: Group Match

Spotlight on the Stars: Who Will Shine Brightest?

As the ECN Bulgaria T20I, 2025 gets underway, all eyes turn to the second match of the opening day, where hosts Bulgaria (BUL) take on Turkiye (TUR) in what promises to be a high-octane T20 clash. With both teams eager to set the tone for their campaigns, individual brilliance could well decide the outcome.

Predicted Standouts

  • Most Sixes:
    Manan Bashir (BUL) – With a career average of 2 sixes per match and a staggering 175 sixes in 61 matches, Bashir is the clear favourite to clear the ropes most often.

  • Most Runs:
    Manan Bashir (BUL) – Averaging 25 runs per match, Bashir’s consistency and power make them the batter to watch.

  • Most Wickets:
    Milen Gogev (BUL) – With a career average of 1 wicket per match in their short but impactful career, Gogev leads the wicket-taking predictions.

  • Match MVP:
    Bakhtiar Tahiri (BUL) – With an impressive average of 77 fantasy points per match over their career, Tahiri is the top candidate for the MVP honours.

Team Introductions & Key Stats

Bulgaria (BUL)

  • Matches Played: 38
  • Matches Won: 11
  • Win Percentage: 28.95%
  • Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Bakhtiar Tahiri (77 points/match)
  • Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Data not available yet
  • Top Six-Hitter: Manan Bashir (175 career sixes)
  • Top Wicket-Taker: Gagandeep Singh (career 5 three-wicket hauls, 2061 bowling fantasy points)

Turkiye (TUR)

  • Matches Played: 19
  • Matches Won: 6
  • Win Percentage: 31.58%
  • Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Ali Turkmen & Muhammad Fahad (49 points/match)
  • Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Data not available yet
  • Top Six-Hitter: Gokhan Alta (23 career sixes)
  • Top Wicket-Taker: Zafer Durmaz (career 1 three-wicket match, 618 bowling fantasy points)

Player Highlights

Bulgaria (BUL)

Manan Bashir – Batsman

A true T20 dynamo, Bashir’s numbers are nothing short of spectacular. With 3931 career fantasy points and a highest single-match haul of 285, they average 64 fantasy points per match. Their batting is explosive: 175 sixes, 92 fours, 2 hundreds, and 11 fifties, with a top score of 135. Bashir’s 8 Player of the Match awards (13.1% of matches) underline their match-winning pedigree.

Bakhtiar Tahiri – Batsman

Tahiri is a pillar of consistency, amassing 3151 career fantasy points at 77 per match. With 8 fifties, 63 sixes, and a top score of 99, they are a reliable run-getter. Tahiri’s 7 Player of the Match awards (17% of matches) highlight their ability to deliver under pressure.

Zeerak Chughtai – Batsman

Chughtai brings all-round value, with 3190 career fantasy points (63 per match) and a highest single-match tally of 202. With 38 sixes and 64 fours, they are a dangerous middle-order presence. Chughtai also contributes with the ball, having taken a five-wicket haul and three three-wicket matches.

Chris Lakov – All Rounder, Captain

Lakov’s leadership is backed by 3885 career fantasy points (51 per match). With 149 fours and 38 sixes, they are a steady contributor with the bat, and their all-round skills (1048 bowling fantasy points) make them a key asset. Lakov has 3 Player of the Match awards in 76 matches.

Turkiye (TUR)

Ali Turkmen – All Rounder, Captain

Turkmen leads from the front, with 1978 career fantasy points (49 per match) and a highest single-match tally of 163. Their all-round skills are evident: 16 sixes, 31 fours, and 1130 bowling fantasy points. Turkmen has 3 Player of the Match awards in 40 matches.

Muhammad Fahad – Batsman

Fahad is a rising star, averaging 49 fantasy points per match with a top score of 44 and 16 sixes in just 12 matches. Their ability to score quickly and contribute in the field (1 stumping) makes them a valuable asset.

Gokhan Alta – All Rounder

Alta’s 1160 career fantasy points (45 per match) come from a balanced contribution: 23 sixes, 16 fours, and 527 bowling fantasy points. Their highest single-match fantasy score is 144, and they have a Player of the Match award to their name.

Zafer Durmaz – All Rounder

Durmaz brings experience and versatility, with 875 career fantasy points (36 per match), 12 fours, and 1 six. Their bowling (618 fantasy points) and fielding (6 catches) add depth to the Turkiye lineup.

Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head

  • Manan Bashir (BUL) vs. Gokhan Alta (TUR):
    Bashir’s power-hitting (2 sixes/match, 25 runs/match) will be tested by Alta’s all-round skills (23 sixes, 527 bowling fantasy points). Bashir’s ability to dominate bowlers could be a deciding factor.

  • Bakhtiar Tahiri (BUL) vs. Ali Turkmen (TUR):
    Both are their teams’ fantasy leaders. Tahiri’s 77 points/match and Turkmen’s 49 points/match set up a fascinating contest of consistency versus all-round impact.

  • Gagandeep Singh (BUL) vs. Turkiye’s Batters:
    Singh’s 2061 bowling fantasy points and five three-wicket hauls make them a threat to Turkiye’s top order, especially to aggressive batters like Fahad and Ataullah.

Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

Safe Choices:

  • Manan Bashir (BUL): Consistent high fantasy returns, explosive batting, and a proven match-winner.
  • Bakhtiar Tahiri (BUL): High average fantasy points, reliable with both bat and ball.

Bold Picks:

  • Ali Turkmen (TUR): All-rounder with the ability to influence all facets of the game.
  • Muhammad Fahad (TUR): High fantasy average in a short career, potential for a breakout performance.

Insights & Key Matchups

  • Bulgaria’s Batting Depth: With Bashir, Tahiri, and Chughtai all averaging over 60 fantasy points per match, Bulgaria’s top order is formidable.
  • Turkiye’s All-Rounders: Turkmen and Alta provide balance, but Turkiye will need their bowlers to step up against Bulgaria’s power hitters.
  • Bowling X-Factors: Milen Gogev (BUL) and Zafer Durmaz (TUR) could be surprise packages with their wicket-taking ability.

Potential Game-Changers:

  • Manan Bashir (BUL): Could dominate with the bat and in the field.
  • Ali Turkmen (TUR): If they fire with both bat and ball, Turkiye could spring a surprise.
  • Gagandeep Singh (BUL): A big spell from Singh could tilt the match in Bulgaria’s favour.

Conclusion

With both teams eager to make a statement, expect fireworks at the Vasil Levski National Sports Academy. Bulgaria’s star-studded lineup gives them the edge on paper, but Turkiye’s all-rounders and fighting spirit mean an upset is always possible. Fantasy managers and fans alike should keep a close eye on the key players highlighted above, as their performances are likely to shape the outcome of this crucial group match.

Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling contest in the ECN Bulgaria T20I, 2025!

  1. Bakhtiar Tahiri – Batsman – Avg. Points: 77.0 – BUL
  2. Milen Gogev – Bowler – Avg. Points: 75.0 – BUL
  3. Manan Bashir – Batsman – Avg. Points: 64.0 – BUL
  4. Zeerak Chughtai – Batsman – Avg. Points: 63.0 – BUL
  5. Isa Zaroo – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 54.0 – BUL
  6. Chris Lakov – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 51.0 – BUL
  7. Ali Turkmen – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 49.0 – TUR
  8. Muhammad Fahad – Batsman – Avg. Points: 49.0 – TUR
  9. Gokhan Alta – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 45.0 – TUR
  10. Prakash Mishra – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 45.0 – BUL
  11. Jakob Gul – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 39.0 – BUL

Number of players from each team:

  • Bulgaria (BUL): 8
  • Turkiye (TUR): 3

Number of players from each skill type:

  • Batsman: 3
  • Bowler: 1
  • All Rounder: 6
  • Wicket Keeper: 1

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