ECS England, Hornchurch, 2025 – Group A Match Day 1, Match 2: Markhor London (MKL) vs Sharks Cricket Academy (SCA) – Pre-Match Analysis

Event: ECS England, Hornchurch, 2025
Match: Markhor London (MKL) vs Sharks Cricket Academy (SCA), Group A Match Day 1, Match 2
Date: 2nd June 2025
Start Time: 11:45 Local Time | 15:15 IST
Venue: Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch
Format: T10
Toss: Markhor London won the toss and elected to bat
Match Type: Group Match

Team Introductions

Markhor London (MKL)

Markhor London, donning their signature black and gold, enter this contest with a blend of experience and explosive talent. While team win-loss records are not available, their player statistics suggest a squad with proven match-winners and a penchant for big moments.

  • Strongest Player (Fantasy Points):
    • Kharwar Khurshid leads the way with an impressive 58 average fantasy points per match over his career.
  • Top Batter (Most Career Sixes):
    • Kharwar Khurshid again stands out, having smashed 19 sixes in just 9 matches (2.0 sixes per match).
  • Top Bowler (Most Career Wickets):
    • Ayaz Younus is the leading wicket-taker, with 244 bowling fantasy points and a best of 2 wickets in a match.

Sharks Cricket Academy (SCA)

Sharks Cricket Academy, in dark and light blue, are a relatively new side at this level, with most players having just a single match under their belt. Their statistics reflect a team at the start of their journey, eager to make a mark in the ECS.

  • Strongest Player (Fantasy Points):
    • All players have yet to register fantasy points, making this a wide-open contest for a new hero to emerge.
  • Top Batter (Most Career Sixes):
    • No SCA batter has hit a six in their career so far.
  • Top Bowler (Most Career Wickets):
    • No SCA bowler has taken a wicket yet.

Player Highlights

Markhor London (MKL)

Kharwar Khurshid – Batsman

A true T10 dynamo, Khurshid boasts 524 career fantasy points from just 9 matches, averaging 58 per game. His aggressive style is evident in his 19 sixes and a top score of 66. With a Player of the Match award to his name and a 0.11 award ratio, he is a proven match-winner. His all-round contributions, including 70 bowling fantasy points, make him a fantasy favorite.

Kashif Iqbal – Wicket Keeper

Kashif Iqbal is a consistent performer, with 399 career fantasy points and an average of 44 per match. He has two Player of the Match awards (0.22 ratio), underlining his ability to influence games. With 19 fours, 11 sixes, and a top score of 72, he is a reliable run-getter and a safe pair of hands behind the stumps.

Ayaz Younus – All Rounder

Younus brings balance to the side, with 294 career fantasy points (17 per match). His primary impact comes with the ball, amassing 244 bowling fantasy points and a best of 2 wickets in a match. He also has a Player of the Match award, highlighting his potential to turn games with both bat and ball.

Waseem Majeed – All Rounder

Majeed has played 16 matches, collecting 88 fantasy points (6 per match). While his batting numbers are modest (top score 25), he has shown flashes of brilliance with a highest match fantasy score of 49 and a Player of the Match award.

Sharks Cricket Academy (SCA)

Iresh Saxena – Bowler, Captain

As captain, Saxena leads from the front, though his career is just beginning with one match played and no fantasy points yet. His leadership will be crucial as SCA look to establish themselves.

Ubaid Kiani – Batsman, Wicket Keeper

Kiani, also with one match, is yet to make an impact statistically. However, as a wicketkeeper-batsman, he has the dual opportunity to contribute with both bat and gloves.

Safi Butt – All Rounder

Butt’s all-round skills will be vital for SCA. While he has yet to register fantasy points, his role as an all-rounder gives him multiple avenues to influence the game.

Raza Mughal – Bowler

Mughal, like his teammates, is at the start of his career. With a clean slate, he has the chance to make an immediate impression in this high-profile fixture.

Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head

  • Kharwar Khurshid (MKL) vs SCA Bowlers:
    Khurshid’s aggressive batting (2 sixes per match, 46 average batting fantasy points) will test the inexperienced SCA bowling attack, none of whom have taken a wicket or scored fantasy points yet.

  • Kashif Iqbal (MKL) vs SCA Wicket Keepers:
    Iqbal’s dual threat as a batsman and keeper (44 average fantasy points, 2 catches) gives MKL a clear edge in the gloveman department over SCA’s Kiani, who is yet to open his account.

  • Ayaz Younus (MKL) vs SCA Batters:
    Younus’s 244 bowling fantasy points and best of 2 wickets in a match make him a key threat to SCA’s top order, who are still searching for their first big score.

Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

Safe Picks

  • Kharwar Khurshid (MKL):
    With the highest average fantasy points and a proven record of big-hitting, Khurshid is the safest captaincy option.
  • Kashif Iqbal (MKL):
    Consistent with both bat and gloves, Iqbal is a strong vice-captaincy choice.

Bold Picks

  • Ayaz Younus (MKL):
    For those seeking a differential, Younus’s all-round potential and bowling prowess could yield high returns.
  • Any SCA All-Rounder (e.g., Safi Butt):
    If SCA are to spring a surprise, an all-rounder like Butt could be the one to deliver a breakout performance.

Insights & Key Matchups

  • MKL’s Experience vs SCA’s Freshness:
    Markhor London’s players bring a wealth of experience and proven match-winning ability, especially in the T10 format. Their top order, led by Khurshid and Iqbal, is capable of explosive starts, while Younus provides control with the ball.
  • SCA’s Opportunity:
    For Sharks Cricket Academy, this match is a chance for new stars to emerge. With a clean statistical slate, the pressure is off, and any standout performance could set the tone for their campaign.
  • Fantasy Focus:
    MKL’s established performers are likely to dominate fantasy selections, but the unpredictability of T10 cricket means a single SCA player could turn the match on its head.

Conclusion

With Markhor London opting to bat first after winning the toss, expect fireworks from their power-packed batting lineup. Sharks Cricket Academy, though inexperienced, have the opportunity to announce themselves on the big stage. All eyes will be on the established stars of MKL, but the beauty of T10 cricket is that heroes can emerge from anywhere. Stay tuned for a thrilling contest at Harrow Lodge Park!

Follow all the action live on the official ECS England, Hornchurch, 2025 website.

Top 11 Players by Highest Average Fantasy Points per Match

  1. Kharwar Khurshid – Batsman – Avg. Points: 58.0 – ML
  2. Kashif Iqbal – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 44.0 – ML
  3. Ayaz Younus – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 17.0 – ML
  4. Waqar Zafar – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 14.0 – ML
  5. Waseem Majeed – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 6.0 – ML
  6. Kashaf Iqbal – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 4.0 – ML
  7. Aziz Jabarkhail – Bowler – Avg. Points: 0.0 – SCA
  8. Safi Butt – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 0.0 – SCA
  9. Ubaid Kiani – Batsman – Avg. Points: 0.0 – SCA
  10. Arjun Bhardwaj – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 0.0 – SCA
  11. Raza Mughal – Bowler – Avg. Points: 0.0 – SCA

Number of Players from Each Team:

  • Markhor London (ML): 6
  • Sharks Cricket Academy (SCA): 5

Number of Players from Each Skill Type:

  • Batsman: 2
  • Bowler: 2
  • All Rounder: 3
  • Wicket Keeper: 4

Notes:

  • Only players with a numeric value for average fantasy points per match are included.
  • Players with missing or blank average points are excluded from the top 11.
  • Short Team Names: Markhor London = ML, Sharks Cricket Academy = SCA

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