ECS Belgium, 2025 – Match 14 Preview

Leuven Lions (LL) vs Hasselt Titans (HT)

ECS Belgium, 2025 Single Group Match Day 3 – Match 14

Date: 9 July 2025
Start Time: 14:45 Local | 17:15 IST
Venue: Stars Arena Hofstade, Zemst
Format: T10
Match Type: Group Match
Toss: Leuven Lions won the toss and elected to bat

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Setting the Stage

The ECS Belgium, 2025 continues to deliver high-octane T10 action as the Leuven Lions (LL) take on the Hasselt Titans (HT) in Match 14 of the group stage. With both teams boasting dynamic all-rounders and explosive batters, this encounter at the Stars Arena Hofstade, Zemst, promises to be a pivotal clash as the tournament heats up.

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Predicted Standouts: Who Will Shine?

• Most 6s:
  • Rauf Abdulrahimzai (HT) and Wahidullah Jabarkhel (LL) both average 2 sixes per match in their careers, but Abdulrahimzai’s recent form (12 sixes in the current event) gives him the edge.
• Most Runs:
  • Rauf Abdulrahimzai (HT) leads with a career average of 22 runs per match, making him the top candidate to anchor the innings.
• Most Wickets:
  • Zaki Shah (HT) and Ravi Thapliyal (LL) both average 1 wicket per match, but Shah’s consistency over 36 matches makes him the bowler to watch.
• Match MVP:
  • Wahidullah Jabarkhel (LL) (57 fantasy points/match) and Rauf Abdulrahimzai (HT) (56 fantasy points/match) are both strong contenders, but Jabarkhel’s all-round contributions tip the scales in his favor.

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Team Introductions & Key Stats

Leuven Lions (LL)

• Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Wahidullah Jabarkhel (57/match)
• Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Srikanth Subramanian (77/match)
• Top Six-Hitter: Wahidullah Jabarkhel (35 career sixes)
• Top Wicket-Taker: Ravi Thapliyal (17 wickets in 17 matches; 1/match)
• Matches Played: Data not available
• Matches Won: Data not available
• Win Percentage: Data not available

Hasselt Titans (HT)

• Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Rauf Abdulrahimzai (56/match)
• Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Rauf Abdulrahimzai (64/match)
• Top Six-Hitter: Sherry Butt (100 career sixes)
• Top Wicket-Taker: Zaki Shah (36 wickets in 36 matches; 1/match)
• Matches Played: 3
• Matches Won: 2
• Win Percentage: 66.7%

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Player Highlights

Leuven Lions (LL)

1. Wahidullah Jabarkhel – Batsman

A proven match-winner, Wahidullah Jabarkhel boasts an impressive 57 fantasy points per match over his 17-match career, with 4 fifties and a top score of 94. His 35 career sixes and 21 fours highlight his boundary-hitting prowess. With 2 Player of the Match awards and a 0.12 award ratio, Jabarkhel is a consistent performer and a genuine game-changer.

2. Srikanth Subramanian – Bowler

Despite only 4 matches, Subramanian has made a big impact, averaging 50 fantasy points per match (77 in the current event). His bowling is his main weapon, with a career-best 4-wicket haul and 41 bowling fantasy points per match. His recent form (135 bowling fantasy points in the current event) makes him a key threat.

3. Sazzad Hosen – Batsman

Hosen’s all-round skills are reflected in his 58 fantasy points per match (career), with a high of 225 in a single game. He’s hit 9 sixes and 10 fours in just 8 matches, and his bowling can be potent, as shown by a 4-wicket match and 21 bowling fantasy points per match. Hosen has 1 Player of the Match award (0.125 ratio).

4. Ravi Thapliyal – Bowler

A reliable bowler, Thapliyal averages 48 fantasy points per match and has taken 17 wickets in as many matches. His best bowling figures are 4 wickets in a match, and he’s also handy in the field with 5 catches. Thapliyal’s consistency makes him a valuable asset for LL.

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Hasselt Titans (HT)

1. Rauf Abdulrahimzai – Batsman

The Titans’ most explosive batter, Abdulrahimzai averages 22 runs and 2 sixes per match, with 34 career sixes and 23 fours. He’s in red-hot form this event (61 batting fantasy points/match, 12 sixes in 3 games). With 56 fantasy points per match (career) and a Player of the Match award, he’s the backbone of HT’s batting.

2. Sherry Butt – Batsman (Captain)

A veteran of 60 matches, Butt has amassed 100 sixes and 61 fours, with 6 fifties and a top score of 73. He averages 43 fantasy points per match (career and current event), and his fielding (28 catches) adds further value. Butt’s experience and power make him a constant threat.

3. Zaki Shah – All Rounder

Shah is HT’s leading wicket-taker (1 per match, 36 in 36 games) and a consistent fantasy performer (53 points/match career, 46 in current event). His all-round skills are complemented by 11 sixes and 11 fours, and he’s a reliable fielder with 10 catches.

4. Zekria Safi – Batsman

Safi’s 11 sixes in just 8 matches (1 per match) and 31 fantasy points per match (career) make him a dangerous middle-order batter. He’s been in good touch this event (38 fantasy points/match, 7 sixes in 3 games), and his ability to clear the ropes could be crucial.

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Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head

• Wahidullah Jabarkhel (LL) vs Rauf Abdulrahimzai (HT):

  • Both average 2 sixes per match, but Abdulrahimzai has been more prolific in the current event (12 sixes vs Jabarkhel’s 1).
  • Jabarkhel averages 20 runs/match (career), Abdulrahimzai 22.
  • Fantasy points: Jabarkhel (57/match), Abdulrahimzai (56/match).

• Ravi Thapliyal (LL) vs Zaki Shah (HT):

  • Both average 1 wicket per match.
  • Shah has a higher career fantasy average (53 vs Thapliyal’s 48).
  • Both are reliable in the field, with 5 and 10 catches respectively.

• Sherry Butt (HT) vs Sazzad Hosen (LL):

  • Butt: 100 sixes, 16 runs/match, 43 fantasy points/match.
  • Hosen: 9 sixes in 8 matches, 17 runs/match, 58 fantasy points/match.

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Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

Safe Picks:

• Wahidullah Jabarkhel (LL): Consistent fantasy returns, all-round ability, and proven match-winner.
• Rauf Abdulrahimzai (HT): In top form, leading run-scorer, and six-hitting machine.

Bold Picks:

• Srikanth Subramanian (LL): High ceiling with recent bowling heroics.
• Zaki Shah (HT): Reliable wicket-taker and all-round contributor.

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Insights & Key Matchups

• Boundary Battle: With Abdulrahimzai and Butt for HT, and Jabarkhel for LL, expect a flurry of sixes. The team that wins the power-hitting contest could seize the momentum.
• Bowling Deciders: Zaki Shah and Srikanth Subramanian are both capable of game-changing spells. Early wickets will be crucial in the T10 format.
• Fantasy X-Factors: Watch for Sazzad Hosen (LL) and Zekria Safi (HT) – both have the ability to turn the match with quick runs or key wickets.

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Conclusion

With the Leuven Lions opting to bat first after winning the toss, the stage is set for a high-scoring contest. Both teams are packed with power-hitters and versatile all-rounders, making this a must-watch encounter in ECS Belgium, 2025. Whether it’s the six-hitting prowess of Abdulrahimzai and Butt or the all-round consistency of Jabarkhel and Shah, expect fireworks at Stars Arena Hofstade, Zemst.

Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling T10 showdown!