ECN Bulgaria T20I, 2025 Final: Gibraltar (GIB) vs Bulgaria (BUL) – Match Preview

Event: ECN Bulgaria T20I, 2025
Match: Gibraltar vs Bulgaria, Finals Match Day 1, Match 7 (Final)
Date: 13 July 2025
Start Time: 10:00 Local Time | 11:30 IST
Venue: Vasil Levski National Sports Academy
Format: T20
Toss: Bulgaria won the toss and elected to field
Match Type: Final

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the ECN Bulgaria T20I, 2025, as Gibraltar (GIB) and hosts Bulgaria (BUL) lock horns in the grand finale at the iconic Vasil Levski National Sports Academy. With both teams boasting a blend of experience, explosive talent, and match-winners, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle for the coveted trophy.

Predicted Standouts: Who Will Shine?

  • Most Sixes:
    Manan Bashir (BUL) – With a staggering 175 career sixes and an average of 2.0 sixes per match, Bashir is the clear favorite to clear the ropes most often.

  • Most Runs:
    Bakhtiar Tahiri (BUL) – Averaging 22 runs per match over 41 games, Tahiri leads the pack as the most consistent run-scorer.

  • Most Wickets:
    Milen Gogev (BUL) – With a career average of 1.0 wicket per match, Gogev stands out as the bowler most likely to make breakthroughs.

  • Match MVP:
    Bakhtiar Tahiri (BUL) – With an exceptional average of 77 fantasy points per match, Tahiri is the top candidate for the Player of the Match award.

Team Introductions & Key Stats

Gibraltar (GIB)

  • Team Colors: Black (Primary), Red (Secondary)
  • Matches Played: 32
  • Matches Won: 15
  • Win Percentage: 46.88%
  • Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Chris Pyle (56.0 points/match)
  • Strongest Player (Event Fantasy Avg): Data not available
  • Top Six-Hitter: Chris Pyle (19 career sixes)
  • Top Wicket-Taker: Kabir Mirpuri (career best: 3 wickets in a match)

Bulgaria (BUL)

  • Team Colors: Green (Primary), Red (Secondary)
  • Matches Played: 41
  • Matches Won: 13
  • Win Percentage: 31.71%
  • Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Bakhtiar Tahiri (77.0 points/match)
  • Strongest Player (Event Fantasy Avg): Data not available
  • Top Six-Hitter: Manan Bashir (175 career sixes)
  • Top Wicket-Taker: Zeerak Chughtai (career best: 5 wickets in a match)

Player Highlights

Gibraltar (GIB)

Chris Pyle – Wicket Keeper

A pillar for Gibraltar, Chris Pyle’s all-round contributions are reflected in his impressive 56.0 average fantasy points per match. With 19 sixes and 39 fours in just 16 matches, Pyle is a dynamic batter capable of changing the game’s tempo. His top score of 88 and a highest single-match fantasy haul of 204 points underline his match-winning potential. As a wicket keeper, his 9 stumpings and 3 catches add significant value, making him a top fantasy and on-field asset.

Kenroy Nestor – Batsman

With 76 matches under his belt, Nestor brings experience and reliability. He has accumulated 785 career fantasy points (10.0 per match) and has been named Player of the Match 9 times (11.8% of matches). While his batting numbers (16 sixes, 11 fours, top score 51) are steady, his all-round fielding (13 catches) and occasional bowling (208 fantasy points) make him a versatile pick.

Kabir Mirpuri – Bowler

Mirpuri’s 848 career fantasy points (24.0 per match) and a best match haul of 163 points highlight his ability to deliver under pressure. With a career-best 3 wickets in a match and 8 sixes with the bat, he is a genuine all-round threat. His fielding, though less prolific, is steady.

Iain Latin – All Rounder, Captain

Latin’s leadership is complemented by 957 career fantasy points (16.0 per match) and 9 Player of the Match awards (15% of matches). With 13 sixes, 29 fours, and a top score of 53, he is a reliable middle-order batter. His bowling (329 points, best 4 wickets in a match) and fielding (6 catches) round out his all-round credentials.

Bulgaria (BUL)

Bakhtiar Tahiri – Batsman

Tahiri is Bulgaria’s talisman, boasting 3,151 career fantasy points (77.0 per match) and 7 Player of the Match awards (17.1% of matches). With 63 sixes, 93 fours, and a top score of 99, he is a consistent run machine. His all-round skills are further highlighted by 892 bowling fantasy points and 20 catches, making him a true game-changer.

Manan Bashir – Batsman, Wicket Keeper

Bashir is a six-hitting phenomenon, with 175 career sixes and an average of 2.0 per match. His 3,931 career fantasy points (64.0 per match) and 2 centuries in 61 matches make him a must-watch. With 92 fours and a top score of 135, Bashir’s aggressive style can dismantle any attack. His 25 catches add to his value as a wicket keeper.

Zeerak Chughtai – Batsman

Chughtai’s 3,190 career fantasy points (63.0 per match) and 7 Player of the Match awards (13.7% of matches) speak volumes. With 38 sixes, 64 fours, and a top score of 90, he is a reliable top-order batter. His bowling (1,576 points, best 5 wickets in a match) and 18 catches make him a multi-dimensional threat.

Prakash Mishra – All Rounder

A veteran with 95 matches, Mishra has 4,281 career fantasy points (45.0 per match) and 9 Player of the Match awards (9.5% of matches). With 53 sixes, 78 fours, and a top score of 73, he is a seasoned campaigner. His bowling (2,312 points, best 4 wickets in a match) and 12 catches make him a key all-rounder.

Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head

  • Best Batter vs Best Bowler

    • Bakhtiar Tahiri (BUL) vs Kabir Mirpuri (GIB)
      • Tahiri: 22 runs/match, 77 fantasy points/match, 63 sixes
      • Mirpuri: 24 fantasy points/match, best 3 wickets in a match

  • Six-Hitting Contest

    • Manan Bashir (BUL) (2.0 sixes/match) vs Chris Pyle (GIB) (1.0 sixes/match)

  • All-Rounder Impact

    • Prakash Mishra (BUL) (45.0 fantasy points/match) vs Iain Latin (GIB) (16.0 fantasy points/match)

  • Bowling Battle

    • Milen Gogev (BUL) (1.0 wicket/match, 75.0 fantasy points/match) vs Kabir Mirpuri (GIB) (best 3 wickets in a match, 24.0 fantasy points/match)

Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

Safe Choices:

  • Bakhtiar Tahiri (BUL): Highest average fantasy points per match (77.0), consistent with bat and ball.
  • Manan Bashir (BUL): Explosive six-hitter, high fantasy ceiling.

Bold Picks:

  • Chris Pyle (GIB): High-impact wicket keeper-batter, capable of huge fantasy hauls.
  • Kabir Mirpuri (GIB): All-rounder with potential for wickets and quick runs.

Insights & Key Matchups

  • Bulgaria’s Power Hitters: With Bashir and Tahiri, Bulgaria boasts the tournament’s most explosive batting duo. Their ability to clear the ropes and build big scores could be decisive.
  • Gibraltar’s All-Round Depth: Players like Pyle, Nestor, and Mirpuri offer balance, with contributions in all departments.
  • Bowling Deciders: The battle between Mirpuri and Bulgaria’s all-rounders (Mishra, Chughtai) could shape the middle overs.
  • Fielding Impact: Both teams have wicket keepers with multiple stumpings and catches, making every run and chance crucial.

Conclusion

The ECN Bulgaria T20I, 2025 Final promises a high-octane contest between Gibraltar and Bulgaria. With star performers on both sides and a wealth of all-round talent, the match is set to be a fitting finale to the tournament. Whether it’s the six-hitting prowess of Bashir, the all-round excellence of Tahiri, or the steady leadership of Latin and Lakov, expect fireworks at the Vasil Levski National Sports Academy. Fantasy managers and fans alike should keep a close eye on the key matchups and be ready for a memorable showdown.

Don’t miss the action as the best of GIB and BUL battle for T20I glory!

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