ECS Bulgaria, 2025 – Qualifier 1: Sofia Stars (SFS) vs MUS Akademik Ravens (MUS)

Finals Match Day 1, Match 32 | 6 July 2025 | 10:45 Local | 12:15 IST | Vasil Levski National Sports Academy | T10 Format

The stage is set for a high-octane clash as the ECS Bulgaria, 2025 enters its business end with Qualifier 1, featuring the formidable Sofia Stars (SFS) and the ever-consistent MUS Akademik Ravens (MUS). Scheduled for July 6th at the iconic Vasil Levski National Sports Academy, this T10 encounter promises fireworks, with the first ball to be bowled at 10:45 local time (12:15 IST). The Sofia Stars have won the toss and elected to field, a decision that could shape the early momentum in this crucial knockout.

Key Player Predictions

  • Most 6s in the Match:
    Manan Bashir (MUS) and Murad Khan (SFS) both average an impressive 2 sixes per match over their careers, making them the prime candidates to clear the ropes most frequently.

  • Most Runs in the Match:
    Murad Khan (SFS) leads the charts with a career average of 35 runs per match, closely followed by Manan Bashir (MUS) at 25. Expect these two to anchor their respective batting line-ups.

  • Most Wickets in the Match:
    While no player boasts a significant wickets-per-match average, Prakash Mishra (SFS) and Gagandeep Singh (SFS) have consistently delivered with the ball, each having multiple three-wicket hauls in their careers.

  • Match MVP Prediction:
    Murad Khan (SFS) stands out with a staggering average of 113 fantasy points per match, making them the top contender for the MVP award.

Team Introductions & Strengths

Sofia Stars (SFS)

  • Matches Played: 30 | Wins: 24 | Win %: 80%
  • Strongest Player (Career Avg. Fantasy Points): Murad Khan (113)
  • Strongest Player (Current Event Avg. Fantasy Points): Murad Khan (113)
  • Top Six-Hitter: Murad Khan (28 career sixes, 2 per match)
  • Top Wicket-Taker: Prakash Mishra (multiple 3+ wicket matches, 2187 bowling fantasy points)

The Sofia Stars have been the team to beat this season, boasting an enviable win percentage and a squad brimming with all-round talent. Their batting is spearheaded by Murad Khan, while Prakash Mishra and Gagandeep Singh provide depth and firepower with the ball.

MUS Akademik Ravens (MUS)

  • Matches Played: 66 | Wins: 44 | Win %: 66.7%
  • Strongest Player (Career Avg. Fantasy Points): Manan Bashir (62)
  • Strongest Player (Current Event Avg. Fantasy Points): Manan Bashir (97)
  • Top Six-Hitter: Manan Bashir (163 career sixes, 2 per match)
  • Top Wicket-Taker: Zeerak Chughtai (1375 bowling fantasy points, 5-wicket haul in career)

MUS Akademik Ravens have a rich history of success and a deep, experienced squad. Their batting is explosive, led by Manan Bashir, while Zeerak Chughtai’s all-round prowess makes them a constant threat in all departments.

Player Highlights

Sofia Stars (SFS)

Murad Khan – Batsman

With 11 matches yielding 1243 fantasy points (113 per match), Murad Khan is the tournament’s most prolific fantasy scorer. Their 28 sixes and 49 fours, alongside four fifties, underline their ability to dominate T10 attacks. Notably, Murad has four Player of the Match awards, reflecting their match-winning temperament.

Prakash Mishra – All Rounder (Captain)

A veteran of 94 matches, Prakash Mishra has amassed 4150 career fantasy points (44 per match). With 2187 bowling fantasy points and five three-wicket hauls, they are a proven match-winner with the ball. Their nine Player of the Match awards highlight their consistency and leadership.

Shivam Mishra – Batsman

Shivam Mishra’s 14-match career has been nothing short of spectacular, with 826 fantasy points (59 per match) and three Player of the Match awards. Their 20 sixes and 25 fours, along with two fifties, make them a key batter for SFS.

Bakhtiar Tahiri – Batsman

With 3076 career fantasy points (77 per match) and seven Player of the Match awards, Bakhtiar Tahiri is a reliable top-order batter. Their 62 sixes and 90 fours, plus eight fifties, make them a constant threat.

MUS Akademik Ravens (MUS)

Manan Bashir – Batsman

The backbone of the MUS batting, Manan Bashir has 3667 career fantasy points (62 per match) and a phenomenal 163 sixes in 59 matches. With two centuries and ten fifties, Bashir is the player most likely to change the game in a matter of overs.

Zeerak Chughtai – Batsman

Chughtai’s 2885 fantasy points (59 per match) and six Player of the Match awards speak volumes. With 37 sixes and 60 fours, plus a five-wicket haul, they are a true all-rounder and a key asset for MUS.

Isa Zaroo – All Rounder

Isa Zaroo brings balance to the side with 1416 fantasy points (51 per match) and a Player of the Match award. Their 25 sixes and 34 fours, along with a fifty in the current event, make them a player to watch.

Danyal Ali – Bowler

With 1566 fantasy points (31 per match) and two Player of the Match awards, Danyal Ali is a consistent performer. Their 22 sixes and 16 fours add depth to the lower order, while their bowling remains a key weapon.

Player vs Player: Head-to-Head Matchups

  • Murad Khan (SFS) vs Manan Bashir (MUS):
    Both are six-hitting machines, but Murad edges ahead in average runs (35 vs 25) and fantasy points (113 vs 62). Bashir, however, has more centuries and a higher top score, making this a battle of consistency versus explosiveness.

  • Prakash Mishra (SFS) vs Zeerak Chughtai (MUS):
    Both are all-rounders with a knack for big performances. Mishra’s bowling (2187 points, five 3+ wicket hauls) is matched by Chughtai’s all-round impact (1375 bowling points, five-wicket haul, 1226 batting points).

  • Bakhtiar Tahiri (SFS) vs Isa Zaroo (MUS):
    Both are reliable middle-order batters with similar six-hitting ability and fantasy output, making this a crucial matchup in the middle overs.

Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

Safe Picks

  • Murad Khan (SFS): Highest average fantasy points, consistent run-scorer, and six-hitter.
  • Manan Bashir (MUS): Explosive batter, top six-hitter, and high event average.

Bold Picks

  • Zeerak Chughtai (MUS): All-rounder with a five-wicket haul and high fantasy ceiling.
  • Shivam Mishra (SFS): High-impact batter with a history of big scores and Player of the Match awards.

Insights & Key Matchups

  • Murad Khan’s form is unmatched—with 81 average batting fantasy points per match in this event, they are the player MUS must dismiss early.
  • Manan Bashir’s six-hitting can turn the game in a few overs, especially if SFS’s bowlers miss their lengths.
  • All-rounders like Prakash Mishra and Zeerak Chughtai will be pivotal, especially if the match goes down to the wire.
  • Bowling Depth: SFS’s Gagandeep Singh and Prakash Mishra have a history of three-wicket hauls, while MUS’s Zeerak Chughtai and Danyal Ali can break partnerships at crucial junctures.

Conclusion

Qualifier 1 of ECS Bulgaria, 2025 is poised to be a classic, with both Sofia Stars and MUS Akademik Ravens fielding squads packed with match-winners. With the Stars opting to field first, early wickets could set the tone, but with the likes of Manan Bashir and Murad Khan in action, expect a contest full of big hits, high scores, and dramatic moments. Fantasy managers and fans alike should keep a close eye on the all-rounders and power-hitters—this is a match where heroes will be made.

Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling encounter at Vasil Levski National Sports Academy!

  1. Murad Khan – Batsman – Avg. Points: 113.0 – Sofia Stars
  2. Bakhtiar Tahiri – Batsman – Avg. Points: 77.0 – Sofia Stars
  3. Manan Bashir – Batsman – Avg. Points: 62.0 – MUS Akademik Ravens
  4. Zeerak Chughtai – Batsman – Avg. Points: 59.0 – MUS Akademik Ravens
  5. Shivam Mishra – Batsman – Avg. Points: 59.0 – Sofia Stars
  6. Isa Zaroo – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 51.0 – MUS Akademik Ravens
  7. Prakash Mishra – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 44.0 – Sofia Stars
  8. Sulayman Warraich – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 43.0 – MUS Akademik Ravens
  9. Sarim Zafar – Bowler – Avg. Points: 37.0 – MUS Akademik Ravens
  10. Safeer Ahmed – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 36.0 – MUS Akademik Ravens
  11. Gagandeep Singh – Bowler – Avg. Points: 36.0 – Sofia Stars

Number of players in the list from each team:

  • Sofia Stars: 5
  • MUS Akademik Ravens: 6

Number of players from each skill type:

  • Batsman: 5
  • All Rounder: 4
  • Bowler: 2
  • Wicket Keeper: 0

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