ECS Finland, 2025 – Group A Match Day 1, Match 5: Helsinki Titans (HT) vs Hadley's Empire XI (EMP) – Pre-Match Analysis

Event: ECS Finland, 2025
Match: Helsinki Titans (HT) vs Hadley's Empire XI (EMP)
Match Name: Group A Match Day 1, Match 5
Date: 23 June 2025
Start Time: 17:15 Local Time | 18:45 IST
Venue: Kerava National Cricket Ground
Format: T10
Toss: Hadley's Empire XI won the toss and elected to field
Match Type: Group Match

Spotlight on the Game-Changers

As ECS Finland, 2025 continues to deliver high-octane T10 action, all eyes turn to the fifth match of Group A, where the Helsinki Titans (HT) face off against the formidable Hadley's Empire XI (EMP). With EMP winning the toss and opting to field first, the stage is set for a contest that promises fireworks, both with bat and ball.

Predicted Standouts

  • Most Sixes:
    Jordan O'Brien (EMP) and Ghulam Abbas Butt (HT) both average 2 sixes per match in their careers, but O'Brien’s consistency and recent form (8 sixes in the current event) make them the top pick to clear the ropes most often.

  • Most Runs:
    Jordan O'Brien (EMP) leads the way with a career average of 28 runs per match, closely followed by Nicholas Salonen (EMP) at 23 and Ghulam Abbas Butt (HT) at 19.

  • Most Wickets:
    Sudhanshu Pandey (EMP), with a remarkable 4 wickets in their only career match, is the bowler to watch, while Kripesh Sangroula (EMP) also boasts an impressive 3 wickets per match from their debut.

  • Match MVP:
    Nicholas Salonen (EMP) stands out with a career average of 75 fantasy points per match, making them the leading candidate for the MVP honors.

Team Introductions & Key Stats

Helsinki Titans (HT)

  • Team Colors: Black (Primary), Red (Secondary)
  • Matches Played: 10
  • Matches Won: 2
  • Win Percentage: 20%
  • Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Ghulam Abbas Butt (52 points/match)
  • Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): No data yet for current event
  • Top Six-Hitter: Ghulam Abbas Butt (63 career sixes, 2 per match)
  • Top Wicket-Taker: Hammadullah Shinwari (1 three-wicket match, 25 bowling fantasy points/match)

Hadley's Empire XI (EMP)

  • Team Colors: Black (Primary), Pink (Secondary)
  • Matches Played: 23
  • Matches Won: 14
  • Win Percentage: 60.9%
  • Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Nicholas Salonen (75 points/match)
  • Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Jordan O'Brien (205 points/match)
  • Top Six-Hitter: Jordan O'Brien (118 career sixes, 2 per match)
  • Top Wicket-Taker: Amjad Sher (893 bowling fantasy points, 22 per match)

Player Highlights

Helsinki Titans (HT)

1. Ghulam Abbas Butt – Batsman (Captain)

With 27 matches under their belt, Butt is the Titans’ talisman. Their 1,396 career fantasy points (52 per match) and 63 sixes (2 per match) highlight their explosive batting. Butt’s top score of 108 and four Player of the Match awards (14.8% award ratio) underline their match-winning potential. Butt is also a handy bowler, with a three-wicket haul and 118 bowling fantasy points.

2. Aniketh Pusthay – Wicket Keeper

A consistent performer, Pusthay has accumulated 457 fantasy points in 22 matches (21 per match). With 239 batting fantasy points and a top score of 23, they are a reliable presence behind the stumps and with the bat. Their fielding (5 catches, 2 stumpings) adds further value.

3. Hammadullah Shinwari – Bowler

Shinwari’s 11 matches have yielded 318 fantasy points (29 per match), with a standout 104-point performance. Their bowling is their strength, with 271 bowling fantasy points and a three-wicket match to their name.

4. Adnan Syed – Bowler

Syed brings experience with 18 matches and 419 fantasy points (23 per match). Their best bowling performance is a three-wicket haul, and they have a Player of the Match award, reflecting their ability to turn games.

Hadley's Empire XI (EMP)

1. Nicholas Salonen – All Rounder (Captain)

Salonen is EMP’s heartbeat, with 3,161 career fantasy points (75 per match) and 90 sixes. Their all-round prowess is evident: 2,104 batting fantasy points, 701 bowling points, and 21 catches. With three Player of the Match awards, Salonen is a proven match-winner.

2. Jordan O'Brien – Batsman (Wicket Keeper)

O'Brien is a powerhouse, amassing 3,322 fantasy points in 49 matches (68 per match). Their 118 sixes and 1,912 batting fantasy points make them the most dangerous batter in the lineup. O'Brien’s fielding (23 catches) and five Player of the Match awards (10.2% ratio) further boost their value.

3. Amjad Sher – All Rounder

Sher’s 40 matches have produced 2,183 fantasy points (55 per match), with 46 sixes and 893 bowling points. Their ability to contribute in all departments makes them a key asset.

4. Sudhanshu Pandey – Bowler

A new face with immediate impact, Pandey’s debut saw them take 4 wickets and score 132 fantasy points. If they maintain this form, they could be a surprise package.

Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head

  • Ghulam Abbas Butt (HT) vs Jordan O'Brien (EMP):
    Both are prolific six-hitters (2 per match), but O'Brien edges ahead in runs (28 vs 19 per match) and fantasy points (68 vs 52 per match). Expect a battle of big hitters.

  • Hammadullah Shinwari (HT) vs Amjad Sher (EMP):
    Shinwari’s bowling (25 fantasy points/match) will be tested against Sher’s all-round skills (22 bowling points/match, 26 batting points/match). Both can change the game with a single spell.

  • Adnan Syed (HT) vs Sudhanshu Pandey (EMP):
    Syed’s experience (23 fantasy points/match) faces off against Pandey’s explosive debut (132 points, 4 wickets). This duel could decide the middle overs.

Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

Safe Picks

  • Nicholas Salonen (EMP): Consistent all-rounder, highest career fantasy average.
  • Jordan O'Brien (EMP): Explosive batter, high fantasy ceiling, in form.

Bold Picks

  • Ghulam Abbas Butt (HT): Proven match-winner, capable of big scores and sixes.
  • Sudhanshu Pandey (EMP): High-risk, high-reward after a sensational debut.

Insights & Key Matchups

  • EMP’s Batting Depth: With O'Brien, Salonen, and Sher, EMP boasts a formidable top order, all capable of clearing the ropes and accelerating the scoring.
  • HT’s Reliance on Butt: The Titans’ fortunes may hinge on Butt’s performance. If they fire, HT can post a competitive total.
  • Bowling X-Factors: Pandey and Sangroula (EMP) have shown wicket-taking ability, while Shinwari and Syed (HT) must deliver breakthroughs to keep EMP’s batters in check.
  • Fielding Impact: O'Brien and Salonen’s fielding prowess could create crucial moments, especially in a fast-paced T10 format.

Conclusion

With Hadley's Empire XI entering as favorites, thanks to their superior win percentage and a star-studded lineup, the Helsinki Titans will need their key players to step up. Expect fireworks from the big hitters and a keen contest between the bowlers. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on the all-rounders and in-form batters, as this match promises to be a showcase of T10 cricket at its best.

Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the Kerava National Cricket Ground!

  1. Sudhanshu Pandey – Bowler – Avg. Points: 132.0 – HE
  2. Ahsan Majid – Batsman – Avg. Points: 98.0 – HE
  3. Kripesh Sangroula – Bowler – Avg. Points: 94.0 – HE
  4. Nicholas Salonen – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 75.0 – HE
  5. Jordan O'Brien – Batsman – Avg. Points: 68.0 – HE
  6. Amjad Sher – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 55.0 – HE
  7. Ghulam Abbas Butt – Batsman – Avg. Points: 52.0 – HT
  8. Hammadullah Shinwari – Bowler – Avg. Points: 29.0 – HT
  9. Raaz Mohammad – Bowler – Avg. Points: 23.0 – HE
  10. Adnan Syed – Bowler – Avg. Points: 23.0 – HT
  11. Aniketh Pusthay – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 21.0 – HT

Number of players from each team:

  • Hadley's Empire XI (HE): 7
  • Helsinki Titans (HT): 4

Number of players from each skill type:

  • Bowler: 5
  • Batsman: 3
  • All Rounder: 2
  • Wicket Keeper: 1

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