ECN Bulgaria T20I, 2025: Turkiye vs Bulgaria – Match 5 Preview
Event: ECN Bulgaria T20I, 2025
Match: Turkiye (TUR) vs Bulgaria (BUL), Single Group Match Day 3, Match 5
Date: 12 July 2025
Start Time: 10:00 Local Time | 11:30 IST
Venue: Vasil Levski National Sports Academy
Format: T20
Match Type: Group Match
Toss: Bulgaria won the toss and elected to field
Spotlight on the Stars: Who Will Shine Brightest?
- Most 6s Prediction: Manan Bashir (BUL) – 175 career sixes, 2.0 sixes per match
- Most Runs Prediction: Manan Bashir (BUL) – 25.0 career average runs per match
- Most Wickets Prediction: Milen Gogev (BUL) – 1.0 career average wickets per match
- Match MVP Prediction: Manan Bashir (BUL) – 64.0 average fantasy points per match
Team Introductions & Key Stats
Turkiye (TUR)
- Matches Played: 21
- Matches Won: 6
- Win Percentage: 28.6%
- Strongest Player (Avg. Fantasy Points/Match): Muhammad Fahad & Ali Turkmen (49.0)
- Top Batter (Most Career Sixes): Gokhan Alta (23 sixes)
- Top Bowler (Most Career Wickets): Ali Turkmen (most wickets, 28.0 avg. bowling fantasy points/match)
Bulgaria (BUL)
- Matches Played: 40
- Matches Won: 13
- Win Percentage: 32.5%
- Strongest Player (Avg. Fantasy Points/Match): Manan Bashir (64.0)
- Top Batter (Most Career Sixes): Manan Bashir (175 sixes)
- Top Bowler (Most Career Wickets): Zeerak Chughtai (most wickets, 31.0 avg. bowling fantasy points/match)
Player Highlights
Turkiye (TUR)
Ali Turkmen – All Rounder
Ali Turkmen stands as Turkiye’s most consistent fantasy performer, averaging 49.0 fantasy points per match across 40 games. With 566 batting fantasy points and 1130 bowling fantasy points, Turkmen’s all-round ability is evident. Their highest single-match fantasy haul is an impressive 163 points, and they have three Player of the Match awards, reflecting their match-winning potential. Turkmen’s bowling, with a 28.0 average fantasy points per match, is a key asset for Turkiye.
Gokhan Alta – All Rounder
With 26 matches under their belt, Gokhan Alta has accumulated 1160 career fantasy points (45.0 per match). Alta is Turkiye’s leading six-hitter (23 sixes) and has contributed 487 batting fantasy points. Their all-round skills are further highlighted by 527 bowling fantasy points and a top score of 29. Alta’s ability to contribute in all departments makes them a valuable asset.
Muhammad Fahad – Batsman/Wicket Keeper
Muhammad Fahad brings stability to the top order, averaging 49.0 fantasy points per match over 12 games. With 16 sixes and 18 fours, Fahad is a reliable boundary-hitter. Their top score of 44 and a Player of the Match award underline their ability to anchor the innings. Fahad’s wicket-keeping skills add further value, with 1 stumping and 1 catch in their career.
Zafer Durmaz – All Rounder
Zafer Durmaz has played 24 matches, amassing 875 fantasy points (36.0 per match). With 121 batting fantasy points and 618 bowling fantasy points, Durmaz is a steady all-rounder. Their best bowling performance is a three-wicket haul, and they have contributed 6 catches in the field.
Bulgaria (BUL)
Manan Bashir – Batsman/Wicket Keeper
Manan Bashir is Bulgaria’s premier batter and fantasy powerhouse, with 3931 career fantasy points (64.0 per match) in 61 matches. Bashir’s 175 sixes and 92 fours are unmatched, and their top score of 135 is a testament to their explosive batting. With 11 fifties and 2 hundreds, Bashir is the player to watch for big runs and maximums. Their 8 Player of the Match awards highlight their match-winning pedigree.
Zeerak Chughtai – Batsman
Chughtai is a true all-rounder, with 3190 fantasy points (63.0 per match) in 51 matches. They have 38 sixes and 64 fours, and a top score of 90. Chughtai’s bowling is equally impressive, with 1576 bowling fantasy points and a five-wicket haul to their name. With 7 Player of the Match awards, Chughtai is a proven game-changer.
Ali Rasool – Bowler
Ali Rasool is Bulgaria’s leading bowler, with 1554 bowling fantasy points and a 27.0 average per match. In 57 matches, Rasool has taken a four-wicket haul and has 4 Player of the Match awards. Their ability to deliver breakthroughs makes them a key threat to Turkiye’s batters.
Chris Lakov – All Rounder/Captain
As captain, Chris Lakov leads by example, with 3885 career fantasy points (51.0 per match) in 76 matches. Lakov has 149 fours and 38 sixes, and 7 fifties. Their all-round contributions include 1048 bowling fantasy points and 26 catches, making them a reliable performer in all facets of the game.
Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head
- Manan Bashir (BUL) vs Ali Turkmen (TUR):
Bashir’s explosive batting (25.0 runs/match, 2.0 sixes/match) will be tested by Turkmen’s all-round skills (28.0 bowling fantasy points/match). - Zeerak Chughtai (BUL) vs Gokhan Alta (TUR):
Both are dynamic all-rounders, but Chughtai’s 31.0 bowling fantasy points per match and 63.0 overall fantasy average give them the edge. - Ali Rasool (BUL) vs Muhammad Fahad (TUR):
Rasool’s wicket-taking ability (27.0 bowling fantasy points/match) will be crucial against Fahad’s aggressive batting (1.0 sixes/match, 18.0 runs/match).
Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations
Safe Choices:
- Manan Bashir (BUL): Highest average fantasy points (64.0), most sixes, and most runs per match.
- Zeerak Chughtai (BUL): Consistent all-rounder with high fantasy returns (63.0 per match).
Bold Picks:
- Ali Turkmen (TUR): All-rounder with a history of big fantasy hauls and match-winning performances.
- Ali Rasool (BUL): Leading bowler with the potential for a multi-wicket haul.
Insights & Key Matchups
Potential Game-Changers:
- Manan Bashir is the clear standout, with the ability to dominate with the bat and in the field.
- Zeerak Chughtai offers all-round value and can swing the match with both bat and ball.
- Ali Turkmen is Turkiye’s best hope for an upset, given their all-round skills and experience.
- Ali Rasool and Chris Lakov provide Bulgaria with depth in both bowling and batting.
Fantasy Focus:
Bulgaria’s players dominate the top fantasy averages, making them prime picks for leadership roles in fantasy contests. Turkiye’s all-rounders, especially Turkmen and Alta, offer differential value.Match Narrative:
Bulgaria, with a higher win percentage and a more experienced, star-studded lineup, enter as favorites. However, Turkiye’s all-rounders have the potential to turn the tide if they fire in unison.
Don’t miss the action as Turkiye and Bulgaria battle for supremacy in Match 5 of the ECN Bulgaria T20I, 2025. With explosive batters, crafty bowlers, and all-round stars on both sides, this promises to be a thrilling contest at the Vasil Levski National Sports Academy!
- Milen Gogev – Bowler – Avg. Points: 75.0 – BUL
- Manan Bashir – Batsman – Avg. Points: 64.0 – BUL
- Zeerak Chughtai – Batsman – Avg. Points: 63.0 – BUL
- Isa Zaroo – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 54.0 – BUL
- Chris Lakov – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 51.0 – BUL
- Muhammad Fahad – Batsman – Avg. Points: 49.0 – TUR
- Ali Turkmen – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 49.0 – TUR
- Gokhan Alta – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 45.0 – TUR
- Jakob Gul – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 39.0 – BUL
- Ali Rasool – Bowler – Avg. Points: 37.0 – BUL
- Zafer Durmaz – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 36.0 – TUR
Number of players from each team:
- Bulgaria (BUL): 7
- Turkiye (TUR): 4
Number of players from each skill type:
- Batsman: 3
- Bowler: 3
- All Rounder: 4
- Wicket Keeper: 1
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