ECS Finland, 2025 – Qualifier 1: BTCC Dark Knights vs Greater Helsinki Markhors
Finals Match Day 1, Match 22 | 27 June 2025 | 11:15 Local / 12:45 IST | Kerava National Cricket Ground | T10
The stage is set for a high-octane clash as the ECS Finland, 2025 enters its business end with Qualifier 1 between the BTCC Dark Knights (BTCC) and the Greater Helsinki Markhors (GHM). Scheduled for June 27th at the picturesque Kerava National Cricket Ground, this T10 encounter promises fireworks, with the first ball to be bowled at 11:15 local time (12:45 IST). The Markhors have won the toss and elected to field, setting the tone for a chase under pressure in this crucial knockout.
Key Player Predictions
Most Sixes:
Shahzad Shabbir (GHM) – With a staggering career average of 5 sixes per match, Shabbir is the clear favorite to clear the ropes most often.Most Runs:
Shahzad Shabbir (GHM) – Averaging 40 runs per match, Shabbir again stands out as the batter most likely to top the scoring charts.Most Wickets:
Belayet Khan (BTCC) and Saiful Islam (BTCC) – Both average 1 wicket per match, making them the leading wicket-taking threats.Match MVP:
Afzal Hossain (BTCC) – With an average of 75 fantasy points per match, Hossain is the top all-round fantasy performer in this contest.
Team Introductions & Strengths
BTCC Dark Knights (BTCC)
- Matches Played: 16
- Matches Won: 10
- Win Percentage: 62.5%
- Team Colors: Red & Green
Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg):
- Afzal Hossain (75 fantasy points/match career, 75 in current event)
Top Batter (Most Career Sixes):
- Afzal Hossain (16 sixes in 4 matches; 4 per match)
Top Bowler (Most Career Wickets):
- Belayet Khan and Saiful Islam (1 wicket per match)
Greater Helsinki Markhors (GHM)
- Matches Played: 7
- Matches Won: 3
- Win Percentage: 42.9%
- Team Colors: Light Blue & Dark Blue
Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg):
- Ziaur Rehman (88 fantasy points/match career, 130 in current event)
Top Batter (Most Career Sixes):
- Faheem Nellancheri (59 sixes in 32 matches; 1 per match)
Top Bowler (Most Career Wickets):
- Ziaur Rehman (1 wicket per match)
Player Highlights
BTCC Dark Knights
Afzal Hossain – Batsman
Afzal Hossain has been a revelation for BTCC, amassing 299 fantasy points in just 4 matches, with a career average of 75 per match. His explosive batting is underlined by 16 sixes and a top score of 49, making him a constant threat in the T10 format. Notably, Hossain has already bagged 2 Player of the Match awards, boasting a remarkable 0.5 award ratio.
Shahed Alam – All Rounder
A consistent all-rounder, Alam has 398 career fantasy points from 6 matches (66 per match), with a highest single-match haul of 200. His batting is robust (294 points, 90 top score, 8 sixes), and he contributes with the ball and in the field, making him a valuable fantasy pick. Alam has also claimed a Player of the Match award (0.17 ratio).
Jobaer Hossain Moon – Batsman
Moon’s impact is immediate: 219 fantasy points in 4 matches (55 per match), with a top score of 77 and 10 sixes. His ability to score quickly and clear the boundary makes him a key player in the BTCC lineup.
Belayet Khan – Bowler
Khan is BTCC’s leading wicket-taker, with 8 matches yielding 230 bowling fantasy points (29 per match) and a best of 2 wickets in a match. He also chips in with the bat and in the field, making him a well-rounded option.
Greater Helsinki Markhors
Ziaur Rehman – Batsman (Captain)
Rehman is the engine of GHM, with 1,060 career fantasy points in 12 matches (88 per match) and a staggering 518 points in the current event (130 per match). He’s a true all-rounder, contributing 556 batting points (68 top score, 17 sixes) and 434 bowling points (1 wicket per match). Rehman’s leadership and all-round skills make them indispensable.
Faheem Nellancheri – Batsman (Wicket Keeper)
Nellancheri brings experience and power, with 1,310 career fantasy points in 32 matches (41 per match) and 232 in the current event (58 per match). With 59 career sixes and a top score of 78, Nellancheri is a proven match-winner and has 2 Player of the Match awards.
Atif Rasheed – Batsman
Rasheed’s 813 career fantasy points in 16 matches (51 per match) and 393 in the current event (98 per match) highlight their consistency. With 20 sixes and a top score of 86, Rasheed is a key figure in the GHM batting order and has also earned a Player of the Match award.
Farrukh Zeb – Bowler
Zeb has 438 career fantasy points in 10 matches (44 per match), with 15 sixes and a top score of 45. While primarily a bowler (110 bowling points), Zeb’s ability to contribute with the bat and in the field (1 Player of the Match award) makes them a valuable asset.
Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head
Afzal Hossain (BTCC) vs Ziaur Rehman (GHM):
Both are all-rounders with high fantasy averages (75 vs 88 career; 75 vs 130 current event). Hossain’s six-hitting (4 per match) will be tested against Rehman’s all-round prowess (1 wicket per match, 17 sixes).Shahed Alam (BTCC) vs Faheem Nellancheri (GHM):
Alam’s all-round consistency (66 fantasy points/match) faces Nellancheri’s experience and power (41 per match, 59 sixes).Belayet Khan (BTCC) vs Atif Rasheed (GHM):
Khan’s wicket-taking (1 per match) will be crucial against Rasheed’s aggressive batting (20 sixes, 51 fantasy points/match).Jobaer Hossain Moon (BTCC) vs Farrukh Zeb (GHM):
Moon’s quick scoring (10 sixes, 55 fantasy points/match) will be a key test for Zeb’s bowling and fielding skills.
Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations
Safe Choices:
- Afzal Hossain (BTCC): Consistent high fantasy returns, explosive batting, and proven match-winner.
- Ziaur Rehman (GHM): All-round contributions, high event average, and captaincy responsibility.
Bold Picks:
- Shahed Alam (BTCC): All-rounder with a high ceiling, capable of big hauls in both departments.
- Atif Rasheed (GHM): In-form batter with a high event average and six-hitting ability.
Insights & Key Matchups
This Qualifier 1 is poised to be a battle of power-hitters and all-rounders. BTCC’s superior win percentage (62.5%) and depth in all-rounders give them a slight edge, but GHM’s explosive top order, led by Rehman and Nellancheri, can turn the game in a matter of overs.
Potential Game-Changers:
- Afzal Hossain (BTCC): Can single-handedly change the game with the bat.
- Ziaur Rehman (GHM): All-round impact with both bat and ball.
- Shahed Alam (BTCC) & Atif Rasheed (GHM): Both have the ability to deliver match-winning performances.
Fantasy Focus:
- Stack your team with top-order batters and all-rounders.
- Look for bowlers who can contribute with the bat, given the T10 format’s high-scoring nature.
As the teams take the field at Kerava, expect a contest filled with big hits, quick wickets, and high drama. The winner will take a giant leap towards ECS Finland, 2025 glory—don’t miss a ball of this electrifying Qualifier 1!
- Shahzad Shabbir – Batsman – Avg. Points: 104.0 – GHM
- Ziaur Rehman – Batsman – Avg. Points: 88.0 – GHM
- Afzal Hossain – Batsman – Avg. Points: 75.0 – BTCC
- Shahed Alam – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 66.0 – BTCC
- Jobaer Hossain Moon – Batsman – Avg. Points: 55.0 – BTCC
- Atif Rasheed – Batsman – Avg. Points: 51.0 – GHM
- Farrukh Zeb – Bowler – Avg. Points: 44.0 – GHM
- Mohiuddin-Al Belal – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 43.0 – BTCC
- Saiful Islam – Bowler – Avg. Points: 43.0 – BTCC
- Belayet Khan – Bowler – Avg. Points: 43.0 – BTCC
- Faheem Nellancheri – Batsman – Avg. Points: 41.0 – GHM
Number of players from each team:
- BTCC Dark Knights (BTCC): 6
- Greater Helsinki Markhors (GHM): 5
Number of players from each skill type:
- Batsman: 6
- All Rounder: 2
- Bowler: 3
- Wicket Keeper: 0
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