ECS Finland, 2025: SKK Rapids vs Hadley's Empire XI – Group A Match Day 1, Match 3 Preview
Event: ECS Finland, 2025
Match: SKK Rapids (SKK) vs Hadley's Empire XI (EMP)
Match Name: Group A Match Day 1, Match 3
Date: 23 June 2025
Start Time: 13:15 Local Time | 14:45 IST
Venue: Kerava National Cricket Ground
Format: T10
Match Type: Group Match
Toss: SKK Rapids won the toss and elected to field
Spotlight: Predicted Standouts
- Most Sixes:Faraaz Abbas (SKK Rapids) – Career average of 4.0 sixes per match
- Most Runs:Faraaz Abbas (SKK Rapids) – Career average of 39.0 runs per match
- Most Wickets:Saqib Arshad (SKK Rapids) – Career average of 3.0 wickets per match
- Match MVP:Faraaz Abbas (SKK Rapids) – Career average of 103.0 fantasy points per match
Team Introductions
SKK Rapids (SKK)
SKK Rapids, donning their signature dark red and blue, have played 5 matches in the event, winning 3 and boasting a 60% win rate. Their campaign is spearheaded by all-rounder Faraaz Abbas, who leads in both career and current event fantasy points per match (103.0 and 159.0, respectively). Abbas is also the team’s most prolific six-hitter (54 career sixes) and top run-scorer. On the bowling front, Junaid Khan stands out with 18 matches and a career total of 758 bowling fantasy points, making him the Rapids’ most experienced wicket-taker.
Hadley's Empire XI (EMP)
Hadley's Empire XI, in black and pink, are one of the most experienced sides, having played 22 matches and won 13 (59% win rate). Their captain, Nicholas Salonen, is the team’s fantasy powerhouse with a career average of 76.0 fantasy points per match. Salonen is also the leading six-hitter (90 career sixes), while Amjad Sher is the most successful bowler with 841 career bowling fantasy points. The team’s depth is further highlighted by the presence of Jordan O'Brien, who brings both batting firepower and wicket-keeping skills.
Player Highlights
SKK Rapids
Faraaz Abbas – All Rounder
A true all-rounder, Faraaz Abbas is the heartbeat of SKK Rapids. With 13 matches under their belt, Abbas has amassed 1,342 career fantasy points, including a staggering 239 in a single match. Their batting is explosive: 54 sixes, 31 fours, and 4 fifties, with a top score of 96. Abbas’s average of 39 runs and 4 sixes per match makes them a constant threat. Notably, Abbas has one Player of the Match award, reflecting their match-winning potential.
Saqib Arshad – All Rounder
Despite limited exposure (1 match), Saqib Arshad made an immediate impact with 103 fantasy points, all coming from bowling. Arshad’s debut saw them claim 3 wickets, underlining their wicket-taking prowess. If this form continues, Arshad could be a game-changer with the ball.
Junaid Khan – Bowler
With 18 matches, Junaid Khan is a seasoned campaigner. Khan’s 1,098 career fantasy points and 758 bowling fantasy points highlight their consistency. Averaging 1 wicket per match, Khan’s best bowling performance yielded 3 wickets and 102 fantasy points. Khan also contributes in the field with 10 career catches.
Suman Shrestha – Batsman
Suman Shrestha, though early in their career (1 match), has shown promise with 56 fantasy points, including 3 sixes and a top score of 22. Their aggressive approach could provide SKK with quick runs at the top.
Hadley's Empire XI
Nicholas Salonen – All Rounder, Captain
Salonen is the backbone of EMP, with 41 matches and 3,117 career fantasy points. Their batting is formidable: 90 sixes, 70 fours, and 7 fifties, with a top score of 88. Salonen’s all-round skills are complemented by 678 bowling fantasy points and 21 catches, making them a true three-dimensional player. With 3 Player of the Match awards, Salonen is a proven match-winner.
Jordan O'Brien – Batsman, Wicket Keeper
O'Brien’s 48-match career is studded with 3,117 fantasy points and a remarkable 110 sixes. Their top score of 128 and 9 fifties (plus a century) underline their ability to dominate any bowling attack. O'Brien’s wicket-keeping adds further value, with 17 catches and 142 fielding fantasy points.
Amjad Sher – All Rounder
Sher brings a wealth of experience with 39 matches and 2,100 fantasy points. With 45 sixes and 35 fours, Sher is a dangerous lower-order batter. Their 841 bowling fantasy points and 17 catches make them a reliable all-round contributor. Sher has also claimed 4 Player of the Match awards.
Aravind Mohan – Wicket Keeper
Mohan, with 19 matches, has 314 fantasy points and a top score of 40. While not as explosive as Salonen or O'Brien, Mohan’s consistency and wicket-keeping skills (4 catches) provide stability to the side.
Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head
Faraaz Abbas (SKK) vs Nicholas Salonen (EMP):
- Abbas: 103.0 career fantasy points/match, 39.0 runs/match, 4.0 sixes/match
- Salonen: 76.0 career fantasy points/match, 23.0 runs/match, 2.0 sixes/match
- Edge: Abbas for fantasy and power-hitting; Salonen for all-round consistency.
Saqib Arshad (SKK) vs Amjad Sher (EMP):
- Arshad: 3.0 wickets/match (from debut), 99 bowling fantasy points
- Sher: 22.0 average bowling fantasy points/match, 1 three-wicket haul
- Edge: Arshad for recent impact; Sher for experience.
Junaid Khan (SKK) vs Jordan O'Brien (EMP):
- Khan: 1.0 wicket/match, 42.0 bowling fantasy points/match
- O'Brien: 27.0 runs/match, 2.0 sixes/match
- Edge: O'Brien for batting; Khan for bowling.
Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations
Safe Picks:
- Faraaz Abbas (SKK Rapids): Highest fantasy average, explosive batting, and all-round skills.
- Nicholas Salonen (EMP): Consistent fantasy returns, all-round contributions, and leadership.
Bold Picks:
- Saqib Arshad (SKK Rapids): High wicket-taking potential, could be a differential if he repeats debut heroics.
- Jordan O'Brien (EMP): Capable of massive scores and six-hitting sprees, ideal for T10.
Insights & Key Matchups
This Group A clash promises fireworks, with both teams fielding dynamic all-rounders and power-hitters. SKK Rapids will rely heavily on Faraaz Abbas’s all-round brilliance and the bowling of Saqib Arshad and Junaid Khan. Hadley's Empire XI counters with the experience and firepower of Nicholas Salonen and Jordan O'Brien, while Amjad Sher’s all-round abilities could tip the balance.
Potential Game-Changers:
- Faraaz Abbas: Can single-handedly change the game with bat or in the field.
- Nicholas Salonen: EMP’s most reliable all-rounder, capable of big scores and crucial wickets.
- Saqib Arshad: If he continues his wicket-taking form, could dismantle EMP’s top order.
- Jordan O'Brien: A quickfire 50 from O'Brien could set or chase down any target in T10.
With both teams boasting a near 60% win rate, expect a closely fought contest where individual brilliance could decide the outcome. Fantasy managers and fans alike should keep a keen eye on the all-rounders and power-hitters as ECS Finland, 2025 continues to deliver high-octane cricket.
- Saqib Arshad – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 103.0 – SKK
- Faraaz Abbas – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 103.0 – SKK
- Qaiser Siddique – Batsman – Avg. Points: 87.0 – SKK
- Nicholas Salonen – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 76.0 – HE
- Jordan O'Brien – Batsman – Avg. Points: 65.0 – HE
- Junaid Khan – Bowler – Avg. Points: 61.0 – SKK
- Suman Shrestha – Batsman – Avg. Points: 56.0 – SKK
- Amjad Sher – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 54.0 – HE
- Matias Brasier – Bowler – Avg. Points: 23.0 – HE
- Troy Faithfull – Batsman – Avg. Points: 20.0 – SKK
- Azam Dar – Batsman – Avg. Points: 17.0 – SKK
Number of players from each team:
- SKK Rapids (SKK): 7
- Hadley's Empire XI (HE): 4
Number of players from each skill type:
- All Rounder: 4
- Batsman: 4
- Bowler: 2
- Wicket Keeper: 0
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