The recently concluded ECS Austria tournament delivered electrifying cricketing action with a total of 16,641 runs scored, 576 wickets fallen, 1,163 fours, and a staggering 1,394 sixes smashed across the event. The competition saw intense battles, but it was Cricketer CC who emerged victorious, claiming their first-ever ECS title in Austria after a dominant performance in the final.
The final showdown featured Cricketer CC and Graz Cricket Academy. Batting first, Graz Cricket Academy put up a competitive total of 123 runs in their 10 overs. Despite the challenging target, Cricketer CC, with their impressive form throughout the tournament, approached the chase with confidence. They controlled the game from the start, reaching the target in just 8.3 overs to secure a memorable win.
Graz Cricket Academy’s journey to the final was nothing short of remarkable. As underdogs, they fought their way through the Eliminator, defeating Salzburg, and then pulled off a major upset by taking down the tournament favorites, Danaustadt, in the second semi-final. Danaustadt, who had dominated ECS Austria in recent years, reaching and winning the finals in 2021, 2022, and 2023, fell short of the final for only the second time in the competition's history.
Among the individual performances, Mark Simpson-Parker of Vienna CC was named the MVP of the tournament. Simpson-Parker had an outstanding tournament, amassing 621 runs, the highest of any player. He also showcased his all-around capabilities with some spectacular catches in the field.
On the bowling front, Khanagha Hamdard of Vienna CC led the wicket-taking charts with 16 wickets, cementing his status as one of the premier bowlers of the tournament.
Here are some snapshots from the event: