ECS Belgium, 2025: Antwerp Giants (AG) vs Brussels Bashers (BB)

Single Group Match Day 1 – Match 3 | 7 July 2025 | Stars Arena Hofstade, Zemst

The excitement of ECS Belgium, 2025 continues as the Antwerp Giants (AG) take on the Brussels Bashers (BB) in Match 3 of the opening day’s group stage. The contest is set for 7 July 2025 at the Stars Arena Hofstade, Zemst, with the first ball scheduled for 12:45 local time (15:15 IST). This T10 group match promises high-octane action, with both teams eager to stamp their authority early in the tournament. The Antwerp Giants have won the toss and elected to field, setting the stage for a dynamic contest.

---

Key Players to Watch

• Most Sixes Prediction:
  Esmatullah Naseri (BB) – With a career average of 2 sixes per match, Naseri is the clear power-hitter to watch.

• Most Runs Prediction:
  Esmatullah Naseri (BB) – Averaging 21 runs per match, Naseri is also the most consistent run-scorer in this fixture.

• Most Wickets Prediction:
  Esmatullah Naseri (BB), Ilyas Zaheer (AG), Fakhar Zaman (BB), Idrees Safi (BB) – All average 1 wicket per match, making them the leading wicket-taking threats.

• Match MVP Prediction:
  Esmatullah Naseri (BB) – With a staggering 104 average fantasy points per match, Naseri is the standout all-rounder and fantasy favorite.

---

Team Introductions & Strengths

Antwerp Giants (AG)

The Giants bring a blend of experience and explosive talent to the ECS Belgium stage. Their strongest player, based on average fantasy points per match, is Ilyas Zaheer (63 per match), closely followed by Abdul Rashid (35) and Saber Zakhil (28). In terms of power-hitting, Saber Zakhil leads the sixes tally with 50 career maximums, while Mansoor Malangzai is not far behind with 27. The Giants’ bowling attack is spearheaded by Saber Zakhil (2 three-wicket hauls) and Said Hakim (2 three-wicket hauls), though both average less than a wicket per match.

Note: Team match records are not available for this fixture.

Brussels Bashers (BB)

The Bashers are a dynamic side, boasting the tournament’s most explosive all-rounder in Esmatullah Naseri. He leads the team in average fantasy points (104 per match) and is the top six-hitter (21 sixes in 9 matches). Aziz Mohammad (37 sixes) and Tejinder Saran (12 sixes) add further firepower. On the bowling front, Esmatullah Naseri (4 wickets in a match, 1 per match average) and Fakhar Zaman (1 per match) are the key threats. The Bashers’ depth in all-rounders and power-hitters makes them a formidable opponent.

---

Player Highlights

Antwerp Giants (AG)

Ilyas Zaheer – All Rounder

Zaheer has made a significant impact in just 5 matches, amassing 316 career fantasy points at a remarkable average of 63 per match. His all-round abilities are evident, with 72 batting fantasy points and 188 bowling fantasy points. Zaheer’s best bowling performance is a 3-wicket haul, and he’s also a reliable fielder with 4 catches. His consistency makes him a top fantasy pick.

Abdul Rashid – Wicket Keeper

With 33 matches under his belt, Rashid is a seasoned campaigner. He has scored 959 batting fantasy points, with a top score of 49 and 37 sixes to his name. Averaging 35 fantasy points per match, Rashid’s wicket-keeping and batting prowess make him a dual threat.

Saber Zakhil – All Rounder

A veteran of 69 matches, Zakhil is AG’s leading six-hitter (50) and has 2 fifties to his name. He’s accumulated 1,943 career fantasy points (28 per match), with 1,110 from batting and 547 from bowling. Zakhil’s 7 Player of the Match awards (10% award ratio) highlight his match-winning potential.

Mansoor Malangzai – Batsman

Malangzai has played 25 matches, scoring 465 batting fantasy points and hitting 27 sixes. He averages 23 fantasy points per match and has a top score of 55. His ability to clear the ropes makes him a key player in the Giants’ lineup.

---

Brussels Bashers (BB)

Esmatullah Naseri – Batsman

Naseri is the tournament’s most explosive player, with 935 career fantasy points in just 9 matches (104 per match). He’s hit 21 sixes, scored 2 fifties, and boasts a top score of 56. With 452 bowling fantasy points and a 4-wicket best, Naseri is a true all-rounder. His 2 Player of the Match awards (22% award ratio) underline his game-changing ability.

Aziz Mohammad – All Rounder

With 42 matches played, Mohammad has 1,274 career fantasy points (30 per match), 793 from batting, and 381 from bowling. He’s hit 37 sixes and scored 2 fifties. His 7 Player of the Match awards (17% award ratio) make him a proven performer.

Tejinder Saran – Wicket Keeper

Saran has 320 fantasy points from 10 matches (32 per match), with 264 from batting. He’s hit 12 sixes and has a top score of 45. Saran’s consistency and wicket-keeping skills add depth to the Bashers’ lineup.

Fakhar Zaman – All Rounder

Zaman has 360 fantasy points in 9 matches (40 per match), with 57 from batting and 243 from bowling. He’s taken a 3-wicket haul and has 1 Player of the Match award (11% award ratio). Zaman’s all-round skills make him a valuable asset.

---

Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head

• Power Hitters:

  • Saber Zakhil (AG) vs Esmatullah Naseri (BB)
    • Zakhil: 50 sixes in 69 matches, 16 avg. batting fantasy points
    • Naseri: 21 sixes in 9 matches, 49 avg. batting fantasy points

• Top Run Scorers:

  • Abdul Rashid (AG) vs Esmatullah Naseri (BB)
    • Rashid: 14 runs per match, 29 avg. batting fantasy points
    • Naseri: 21 runs per match, 49 avg. batting fantasy points

• Strike Bowlers:

  • Ilyas Zaheer (AG) vs Esmatullah Naseri (BB)
    • Zaheer: 1 wicket per match, 38 avg. bowling fantasy points
    • Naseri: 1 wicket per match, 50 avg. bowling fantasy points

• All-Rounders:

  • Saber Zakhil (AG) vs Aziz Mohammad (BB)
    • Zakhil: 28 avg. fantasy points per match, 2 three-wicket hauls
    • Mohammad: 30 avg. fantasy points per match, 2 three-wicket hauls

---

Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

• Safe Captaincy Pick:

  • Esmatullah Naseri (BB) – Unmatched fantasy average (104 per match), top run-scorer, and wicket-taker.

• Safe Vice-Captain Pick:

  • Ilyas Zaheer (AG) – Consistent all-rounder with high fantasy returns (63 per match).

• Bold Captaincy Option:

  • Aziz Mohammad (BB) – High ceiling with 7 Player of the Match awards and 37 sixes.

• Bold Vice-Captain Option:

  • Saber Zakhil (AG) – Explosive six-hitter and proven match-winner.

---

Insights & Key Matchups

This match is set to be a showcase of all-round talent and power-hitting. The Antwerp Giants will rely on the experience and explosiveness of Saber Zakhil and Abdul Rashid, while the Brussels Bashers have the tournament’s most dynamic player in Esmatullah Naseri. The battle between the Giants’ six-hitters and the Bashers’ all-rounders could decide the outcome.

Potential Game-Changers:

• Esmatullah Naseri (BB): Can single-handedly turn the match with both bat and ball.
• Ilyas Zaheer (AG): A consistent all-rounder who can deliver in both departments.
• Aziz Mohammad (BB): Proven match-winner with a high fantasy ceiling.
• Saber Zakhil (AG): Capable of clearing the ropes and breaking partnerships.

With both teams boasting match-winners and explosive talent, Match 3 of ECS Belgium, 2025 promises to be a thrilling contest. Stay tuned for a T10 spectacle at Stars Arena Hofstade, Zemst!

---

All statistics are based on available career and event data up to this match.