ECS Croatia, 2025 Final: Zagreb Assassins vs Sir Oliver Split – Match Preview
Event: ECS Croatia, 2025
Match: Zagreb Assassins (ZA) vs Sir Oliver Split (SOS), Finals Match Day 1, Match 24
SI Match Name: Final
Date: 15 August 2025
Start Time: 17:00 Local Time | 19:30 IST
Venue: Mladost Cricket Ground, Zagreb
Format: T10
Toss: Sir Oliver Split won the toss and elected to field
Match Type: Final
The Grand Finale Awaits
The stage is set at the Mladost Cricket Ground in Zagreb for the much-anticipated final of ECS Croatia, 2025. After weeks of high-octane T10 action, it all comes down to this: Zagreb Assassins (ZA) versus Sir Oliver Split (SOS). With the trophy on the line, both teams will be eager to etch their names in Croatian cricketing history.
Predicted Standouts: Who Will Shine?
Most Sixes:
Nowshad Babu (ZA) – With a staggering 173 career sixes and an average of 4 sixes per match, Babu is the clear favorite to clear the ropes most often in this final.Most Runs:
Nowshad Babu (ZA) – Averaging 41 runs per match over 42 games, Babu is also the leading candidate to top the run charts.Most Wickets:
Maanav Nayak (SOS) – With a career average of 1 wicket per match and 83 matches under their belt, Nayak is the most consistent wicket-taker in this contest.Match MVP:
Nowshad Babu (ZA) – With an exceptional average of 99 fantasy points per match across their career, Babu is the frontrunner for the MVP award.
Team Introductions & Key Stats
Zagreb Assassins (ZA)
- Matches Played: 51
- Matches Won: 30
- Win Percentage: 58.8%
- Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Nowshad Babu (99 per match)
- Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Akash Lamsal (80 per match)
- Top Six-Hitter: Nowshad Babu (173 career sixes)
- Top Wicket-Taker: Pritesh Pawar (1 wicket per match, 25 matches)
Sir Oliver Split (SOS)
- Matches Played: 44
- Matches Won: 20
- Win Percentage: 45.5%
- Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Maanav Nayak (51 per match)
- Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Maanav Nayak (113 per match)
- Top Six-Hitter: Sam Houghton (40 career sixes)
- Top Wicket-Taker: Maanav Nayak (1 wicket per match, 83 matches)
Player Highlights
Zagreb Assassins (ZA)
Nowshad Babu – Wicket-Keeper
A true match-winner, Babu’s numbers are nothing short of phenomenal. With 4159 career fantasy points, 173 sixes, 15 fifties, and 3 hundreds, Babu is the engine of the Assassins’ batting. Their 10 Player of the Match awards (0.24 ratio) underline their ability to deliver on the big stage. In this event, Babu has already amassed 801 fantasy points, including 32 sixes and 4 fifties, making them the most dangerous batter in the final.
Pritesh Pawar – All-Rounder
Pawar’s all-round prowess is a cornerstone for ZA. With 1879 career fantasy points and an average of 75 per match, they have contributed with both bat (592 batting points, 19 sixes) and ball (1095 bowling points, 1 wicket per match). Pawar’s consistency is reflected in their 3 Player of the Match awards and a strong showing in the current event (503 points, 56 avg).
Akash Lamsal – Bowler
Lamsal has been a revelation in this event, averaging 80 fantasy points per match (239 total). Their bowling has been lethal, with a career-best 4 wickets in a match and a high of 141 bowling fantasy points. Lamsal’s ability to deliver in crunch moments is a major asset for ZA.
Hariprasad Sathedeevi – Batsman (Captain)
The captain leads by example, with 2533 career fantasy points and a high score of 57. Sathedeevi’s 49 career sixes and 1 fifty show their ability to accelerate, while their leadership and experience (55 matches) will be crucial in the final.
Sir Oliver Split (SOS)
Maanav Nayak – Bowler
Nayak is the heartbeat of SOS, with 4218 career fantasy points and a remarkable 113 average in this event. Their all-round skills (44 sixes, 3 fifties, 2197 bowling points) and 9 Player of the Match awards make them the most impactful player for SOS. Nayak’s ability to take wickets in clusters (7 three-wicket hauls, 1 four-wicket haul) could be decisive.
Oliver Tilley – Wicket-Keeper
Tilley brings balance to SOS with 1361 career fantasy points and a 65 average per match. Their batting (420 points, 25 fours, 9 sixes) and wicket-keeping skills (1 fifty, 1 top score of 83) make them a reliable performer, especially in pressure situations.
Sam Houghton – Wicket-Keeper (Captain)
With 2535 career fantasy points and 96 matches, Houghton’s experience is invaluable. Their 40 sixes and 2 fifties highlight their batting threat, while their fielding (33 catches) adds another dimension. Houghton’s leadership and ability to step up in big games (3 Player of the Match awards) will be vital.
Angus McMahon – All-Rounder
McMahon’s all-round contributions (507 career points, 51 avg) have been crucial for SOS. With 3 sixes, 1 three-wicket haul, and a high of 114 points in a match, McMahon is a player who can change the game with both bat and ball.
Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head
Nowshad Babu (ZA) vs Maanav Nayak (SOS):
- Babu’s explosive batting (41 avg runs, 4 sixes per match) will be tested by Nayak’s wicket-taking ability (1 per match, 26 avg bowling points).
- In fantasy terms, Babu’s 99 avg per match edges Nayak’s 51, but Nayak’s current event form (113 avg) is formidable.
Pritesh Pawar (ZA) vs Oliver Tilley (SOS):
- Both are all-rounders with strong fantasy records (Pawar: 75 avg, Tilley: 65 avg).
- Pawar’s bowling (44 avg points) could be a key weapon against Tilley’s batting (20 avg points).
Akash Lamsal (ZA) vs Angus McMahon (SOS):
- Lamsal’s bowling (73 avg points in event) will be up against McMahon’s all-round skills (35 avg bowling points, 9 avg batting points).
Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations
Safe Picks
- Nowshad Babu (ZA): The most consistent fantasy performer, a must-have as captain or vice-captain.
- Maanav Nayak (SOS): In red-hot form this event, offers both batting and bowling value.
Bold Choices
- Pritesh Pawar (ZA): All-round ability and high ceiling make Pawar a strong vice-captain option.
- Oliver Tilley (SOS): Reliable with the bat and gloves, Tilley could be a differential pick.
Insights & Key Matchups
Game-Changers:
- Nowshad Babu’s power-hitting and ability to dominate the powerplay could set the tone for ZA.
- Maanav Nayak’s knack for breakthroughs and all-round contributions make them the X-factor for SOS.
- Akash Lamsal’s bowling form in this event could tilt the balance in the middle overs.
- Sam Houghton’s experience and leadership will be crucial in high-pressure moments.
Fantasy Watch:
- Expect high fantasy returns from the all-rounders and wicket-keepers.
- Bowlers who can strike early will be invaluable in the T10 format.
Conclusion
The ECS Croatia, 2025 Final promises a thrilling contest between two well-matched sides. With star performers on both teams and a wealth of all-round talent, expect fireworks at the Mladost Cricket Ground. Whether it’s the six-hitting prowess of Nowshad Babu or the all-round excellence of Maanav Nayak, this final is set to deliver a fitting climax to the tournament. Don’t miss a ball of this high-stakes encounter!
Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis on the official ECS Croatia website.
- Nowshad Babu – Wicket-Keeper – Avg. Points: 99.0 – ZAG
- Pritesh Pawar – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 75.0 – ZAG
- Oliver Tilley – Wicket-Keeper – Avg. Points: 65.0 – SOS
- Angus McMahon – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 51.0 – SOS
- Maanav Nayak – Bowler – Avg. Points: 51.0 – SOS
- Hariprasad Sathedeevi – Batsman – Avg. Points: 46.0 – ZAG
- Vaidyanathan Ramesh – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 43.0 – ZAG
- Akash Lamsal – Bowler – Avg. Points: 39.0 – ZAG
- Shuvo Shabiul – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 37.0 – ZAG
- Md Al Mamun – Batsman – Avg. Points: 36.0 – SOS
- Anupam Singh – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 35.0 – ZAG
Number of players from each team:
- Zagreb Assassins (ZAG): 7
- Sir Oliver Split (SOS): 4
Number of players from each skill type:
- All-Rounder: 5
- Wicket-Keeper: 2
- Bowler: 2
- Batsman: 2
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