ECS Croatia, 2025: Zagreb Warriors vs Zagreb Sokol – Match 1 Preview

Event: ECS Croatia, 2025
Match: Zagreb Warriors (ZW) vs Zagreb Sokol (ZAS), Single Group Match Day 1 Match 1
Date: 11 August 2025
Start Time: 08:45 Local Time | 11:15 IST
Venue: Mladost Cricket Ground, Zagreb
Format: T10
Match Type: Group Match
Toss: Zagreb Warriors won the toss and elected to field

Spotlight on the Stars: Who Will Shine Brightest?

As ECS Croatia 2025 kicks off, all eyes are on the opening clash between the Zagreb Warriors and Zagreb Sokol. With a fresh T10 format promising explosive action, both teams are eager to set the tone for their campaigns. Let’s break down the key players and matchups that could define this contest.

Predicted Standouts

  • Most Sixes:
    Saghar Manzoor (ZAS) – With a career average of 1.0 sixes per match and 61 sixes in 48 matches, Manzoor is the most likely to clear the ropes.

  • Most Runs:
    Sakib Hossen (ZAS) – Averaging 20 runs per match, Hossen is the most consistent run-getter in this fixture.

  • Most Wickets:
    Harpreet Jhalli (ZW) & Sagar Malik (ZW) – Both average 1.0 wicket per match, making them the Warriors’ best hopes for breakthroughs.

  • Match MVP:
    Sakib Hossen (ZAS) – With a stellar 65 average fantasy points per match, Hossen is the top all-round fantasy performer.

Team Introductions & Key Stats

Zagreb Warriors (ZW)

  • Team Colours: Yellow & Dark Blue
  • Matches Played: 25
  • Matches Won: 1
  • Win Percentage: 4%
  • Strongest Player (Fantasy): Harpreet Jhalli (63 avg. fantasy points/match)
  • Best Batter (Sixes): Abhishek Awasthi (7 sixes in 39 matches)
  • Best Bowler (Wickets): Sagar Malik & Harpreet Jhalli (1.0 wickets/match)

Despite a challenging record, the Warriors have a few individuals capable of turning the tide, especially in the T10 format where a single performance can change the game.

Zagreb Sokol (ZAS)

  • Team Colours: Dark Blue & Black
  • Matches Played: 59
  • Matches Won: 34
  • Win Percentage: 57.6%
  • Strongest Player (Fantasy): Sakib Hossen (65 avg. fantasy points/match)
  • Best Batter (Sixes): Saghar Manzoor (61 sixes in 48 matches)
  • Best Bowler (Wickets): Multiple all-rounders with wicket-taking ability

Zagreb Sokol enter as clear favourites, boasting a strong win record and a deep roster of proven performers.

Player Highlights

Zagreb Warriors

Harpreet Jhalli – Batsman/All-Rounder

With 378 career fantasy points in just 6 matches (63 avg.), Jhalli is the Warriors’ most impactful player. Notably, they have a Player of the Match award and a high score of 101 fantasy points in a single game. Jhalli’s bowling is particularly potent, with 333 bowling fantasy points and a best of 3 wickets in a match.

Sagar Malik – All-Rounder

Malik has amassed 278 fantasy points in 5 matches (56 avg.), highlighted by a 112-point game. With 1.0 wickets per match and a best of 3 wickets in a match, Malik is a genuine threat with the ball and a handy contributor with the bat.

Abhishek Awasthi – Batsman (Captain)

Awasthi brings experience with 39 matches and 1062 career fantasy points (27 avg.). While not a big six-hitter, their all-round contributions and leadership will be vital for the Warriors.

Aman Kumar – Wicket-Keeper

In 3 matches, Kumar has 51 fantasy points (17 avg.), with a top score of 9 runs and 2 catches. Their glovework and ability to chip in with the bat could be crucial in the T10 format.

Zagreb Sokol

Sakib Hossen – All-Rounder

Hossen is the fantasy juggernaut for ZAS, with 1040 points in 16 matches (65 avg.). With 25 sixes, 693 batting fantasy points, and a best of 153 points in a match, Hossen is a genuine match-winner with both bat and ball.

Saghar Manzoor – Batsman

Manzoor is the six-hitting machine, with 61 sixes and 1748 batting fantasy points in 48 matches. Their consistency (36 avg. batting fantasy points) and five Player of the Match awards make them a key player to watch.

Rashid Hashmi – Wicket-Keeper

Hashmi’s 1751 fantasy points in 51 matches (34 avg.) are built on 41 sixes, 2 fifties, and 21 catches plus 10 stumpings. Their all-round fielding and batting prowess make them a valuable asset.

Aman Chaubey – All-Rounder

With 1770 fantasy points in 46 matches (38 avg.), Chaubey is a reliable all-rounder. Their 22 sixes and 1032 bowling fantasy points highlight their dual threat.

Key Player Matchups

  • Saghar Manzoor (ZAS) vs Sagar Malik (ZW):
    Manzoor’s six-hitting ability will be tested by Malik’s knack for wickets. Malik’s best is 3 wickets in a match, but Manzoor’s aggressive style could dictate the contest.

  • Sakib Hossen (ZAS) vs Harpreet Jhalli (ZW):
    Hossen’s all-round dominance (65 avg. fantasy points) faces off against Jhalli’s bowling (56 avg. bowling fantasy points). This battle could decide the middle overs.

  • Rashid Hashmi (ZAS) vs Aman Kumar (ZW):
    Both wicket-keepers are key to their teams, but Hashmi’s experience and fantasy record (34 avg.) give ZAS an edge.

Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

Safe Picks:

  • Captain: Sakib Hossen (ZAS) – Consistent all-rounder, highest fantasy average.
  • Vice-Captain: Saghar Manzoor (ZAS) – Explosive batter, proven match-winner.

Bold Picks:

  • Captain: Harpreet Jhalli (ZW) – High ceiling, can deliver with both bat and ball.
  • Vice-Captain: Sagar Malik (ZW) – Capable of big hauls, especially with the ball.

Insights & Key Matchups

  • Zagreb Sokol’s Depth: With multiple players averaging over 30 fantasy points per match and a strong win record, ZAS are favourites. Their batting firepower, led by Manzoor and Hossen, is unmatched.
  • Warriors’ X-Factors: Jhalli and Malik are the Warriors’ best hopes for an upset. If either can produce a game-changing spell or a quickfire cameo, ZW could surprise.
  • Fantasy Focus: Stack your fantasy teams with ZAS batters and all-rounders, but don’t overlook the Warriors’ bowling duo for differential picks.

Final Word

The opening match of ECS Croatia, 2025 promises fireworks as the experienced Zagreb Sokol take on the underdog Warriors. With proven six-hitters, all-rounders, and fantasy stars on display, expect a high-octane start to the tournament at Mladost Cricket Ground. Will the Warriors defy the odds, or will Sokol’s class prevail? All will be revealed on August 11th.

Stay tuned for live action and updates!

  1. Sakib Hossen – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 65.0 – ZGS
  2. Harpreet Jhalli – Batsman – Avg. Points: 63.0 – ZGW
  3. Sagar Malik – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 56.0 – ZGW
  4. Saghar Manzoor – Batsman – Avg. Points: 42.0 – ZGS
  5. Gurpreet Singh – Batsman – Avg. Points: 41.0 – ZGS
  6. Abilash Parakkalam – Batsman – Avg. Points: 38.0 – ZGS
  7. Aman Chaubey – All-Rounder – Avg. Points: 38.0 – ZGS
  8. Usama Haider – Batsman – Avg. Points: 37.0 – ZGS
  9. Rashid Hashmi – Wicket-Keeper – Avg. Points: 34.0 – ZGS
  10. Abhishek Awasthi – Batsman – Avg. Points: 27.0 – ZGW
  11. Jai Thakur – Batsman – Avg. Points: 28.0 – ZGS

Number of players from each team:

  • Zagreb Sokol (ZGS): 8
  • Zagreb Warriors (ZGW): 3

Number of players from each skill type:

  • Batsman: 6
  • All-Rounder: 3
  • Wicket-Keeper: 1
  • Bowler: 0

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