ECS Belgium, 2025 – Qualifier 1: Brussels Bashers (BB) vs Hasselt Titans (HT)

Finals Match Day 1, Match 23 | 11 July 2025 | Stars Arena Hofstade, Zemst

The stage is set for a high-octane clash as the ECS Belgium, 2025 enters its business end with Qualifier 1, featuring the formidable Brussels Bashers (BB) and the dynamic Hasselt Titans (HT). The match, scheduled for 11 July 2025, will commence at 10:45 local time (13:15 IST) at the iconic Stars Arena Hofstade, Zemst. This T10 encounter promises fireworks, with both teams eyeing a direct ticket to the grand finale. The Brussels Bashers have won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that could shape the early momentum of this crucial knockout.

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Key Player Predictions

• Most 6s in the Match:
  Rauf Abdulrahimzai (HT) – With a career average of 2 sixes per match, Abdulrahimzai is the most prolific six-hitter on display.

• Most Runs in the Match:
  Rauf Abdulrahimzai (HT) – Averaging 24 runs per match across his career, he stands out as the most consistent run-scorer.

• Most Wickets in the Match:
  Salarzai Israel (BB), Zaki Shah (HT), Khuram Shahzad (HT) – All three average 1 wicket per match, making them the leading wicket-taking threats.

• Match MVP (Highest Career Fantasy Points Average):
  Rauf Abdulrahimzai (HT) – With a stellar 62 fantasy points per match over his career, he is the top all-round fantasy performer.

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Team Introductions & Strengths

Brussels Bashers (BB)

• Matches Played: 5
• Matches Won: 4
• Win Percentage: 80%

The Brussels Bashers have been a dominant force this season, boasting an impressive 80% win rate. Their strongest player, based on average fantasy points per match in the current event, is Aziz Mohammad (84 per match), closely followed by Fakhar Zaman (80 per match). Aziz Mohammad also leads the six-hitting charts for BB with 55 career sixes, while Salarzai Israel is their most successful bowler, averaging 1 wicket per match and amassing 731 career bowling fantasy points.

Hasselt Titans (HT)

• Matches Played: 6
• Matches Won: 4
• Win Percentage: 66.7%

The Hasselt Titans have shown resilience and flair, winning two-thirds of their matches. Their fantasy powerhouse is Sherry Butt, averaging 48 fantasy points per match over his career and a remarkable 90 in the current event. Sherry Butt is also the team’s six-hitting machine with 116 career sixes, while Zaki Shah and Khuram Shahzad are the leading wicket-takers, each averaging 1 wicket per match.

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Player Highlights

Brussels Bashers (BB)

1. Aziz Mohammad – All Rounder

Aziz Mohammad is the backbone of the BB lineup, with 1,776 career fantasy points and a career average of 37 per match. In the current event, he has elevated his game, averaging 84 fantasy points per match. With 55 career sixes and 1,118 batting fantasy points, he is a genuine match-winner with the bat. His bowling adds further value, with 526 career bowling fantasy points and two three-wicket hauls. Notably, he has 8 Player of the Match awards, underlining his ability to turn games single-handedly.

2. Fakhar Zaman – All Rounder

Fakhar Zaman’s all-round prowess is evident from his 840 career fantasy points and a career average of 56 per match. He has been in scintillating form this event, averaging 80 fantasy points per match. With 22 career sixes and 417 batting fantasy points, he is a dangerous batter in the T10 format. His bowling, with 331 career points and a best of 3 wickets in a match, makes him a dual threat.

3. Salarzai Israel – All Rounder

Salarzai Israel is BB’s leading wicket-taker, with 731 career bowling fantasy points and an average of 41 per match. He has 18 matches under his belt and has delivered consistently, especially in the current event with 62 average bowling fantasy points per match. His ability to pick up wickets in clusters (including a four-wicket haul) makes him a key player to watch.

4. Murid Ekrami – All Rounder, Captain

As captain, Murid Ekrami brings experience and balance. With 906 career fantasy points and a current event average of 75 per match, he is a reliable all-rounder. His fielding is also noteworthy, with 15 career catches and 152 fielding fantasy points. Ekrami’s leadership and all-round skills could be pivotal in this high-stakes encounter.

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Hasselt Titans (HT)

1. Sherry Butt – Batsman, Captain

Sherry Butt is the Titans’ talisman, with a staggering 2,963 career fantasy points and an average of 48 per match (90 in the current event). He has smashed 116 sixes and 69 fours in his career, making him the most explosive batter in this contest. With 7 career fifties and a top score of 95, Butt is a proven match-winner. His fielding (32 catches) and 4 Player of the Match awards further highlight his all-round value.

2. Rauf Abdulrahimzai – Batsman

Abdulrahimzai is the Titans’ most consistent performer, with 1,062 career fantasy points and a career average of 62 per match (79 in the current event). He leads the six-hitting (45) and run-scoring (24 per match) charts for HT. With 2 fifties and a top score of 57, he is a key batter to watch. His Player of the Match award ratio (0.0588) reflects his match-winning potential.

3. Zaki Shah – All Rounder

Zaki Shah is a vital all-rounder, with 2,064 career fantasy points and an average of 54 per match. He is the Titans’ leading wicket-taker, with 1,477 bowling fantasy points and an average of 39 per match. Shah’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball, along with a Player of the Match award, makes him indispensable.

4. Khuram Shahzad – All Rounder

Khuram Shahzad has made an immediate impact, with 319 career fantasy points from just 6 matches, averaging 53 per match. His bowling is his main strength, with 280 career bowling fantasy points and a best of 3 wickets in a match. Shahzad’s consistency with the ball could be crucial in restricting the BB batters.

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Player vs Player Head-to-Head

• Six-Hitting Showdown:
  Sherry Butt (HT, 116 sixes, 1 per match) vs Aziz Mohammad (BB, 55 sixes, 1 per match)
  Both are capable of clearing the ropes, but Butt’s sheer volume gives him the edge.

• Run-Scoring Consistency:
  Rauf Abdulrahimzai (HT, 24 runs/match) vs Fakhar Zaman (BB, 13 runs/match)
  Abdulrahimzai’s higher average makes him the more reliable run accumulator.

• Wicket-Taking Threats:
  Salarzai Israel (BB, 1 wicket/match, 731 bowling points) vs Zaki Shah (HT, 1 wicket/match, 1,477 bowling points)
  Both are strike bowlers, but Shah’s higher career bowling points suggest greater impact.

• Fantasy MVP Battle:
  Rauf Abdulrahimzai (HT, 62 avg. points) vs Fakhar Zaman (BB, 56 avg. points)
  Abdulrahimzai edges ahead as the most consistent fantasy performer.

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Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

Safe Picks

• Sherry Butt (HT): Consistent high fantasy returns, six-hitting ability, and leadership role.
• Aziz Mohammad (BB): All-round contributions and high event average.

Bold Picks

• Rauf Abdulrahimzai (HT): Highest career and event fantasy averages, explosive potential.
• Fakhar Zaman (BB): In-form all-rounder with both batting and bowling upside.

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Insights & Key Matchups

• Sherry Butt vs Aziz Mohammad: The battle of the six-hitters could decide the momentum in the powerplay overs.
• Zaki Shah vs Salarzai Israel: Both are the go-to bowlers for their teams; their spells could be match-defining, especially in the death overs.
• Rauf Abdulrahimzai’s All-Round Impact: With the highest fantasy average and six-hitting prowess, Abdulrahimzai is the player most likely to swing the match in HT’s favor.
• Fielding X-Factors: Players like Murid Ekrami (BB) and Sherry Butt (HT) have a knack for taking crucial catches, which could prove decisive in a T10 format.

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Conclusion

Qualifier 1 of ECS Belgium, 2025 promises to be a thrilling contest between two well-matched sides. The Brussels Bashers, with their all-round depth and high win percentage, face a Hasselt Titans outfit brimming with explosive batters and reliable bowlers. With fantasy points, sixes, and wickets all set to flow, expect a fiercely competitive encounter where individual brilliance could tip the scales. Keep an eye on the key matchups and make your fantasy picks wisely—this is a clash you won’t want to miss!