ECS Germany, Krefeld, 2025 – Group A Match Day 1, Match 3: Koln CC (KCC) vs Lenkerbeck Marl (LEM) – Pre-Match Analysis

Match Details

  • Event: ECS Germany, Krefeld, 2025
  • Match: Koln CC (KCC) vs Lenkerbeck Marl (LEM), Group A Match Day 1, Match 3
  • Date: 14 July 2025
  • Start Time: 13:15 Local Time | 15:45 IST
  • Venue: Bayer Uerdingen Cricket Ground
  • Format: T10
  • Toss: Lenkerbeck Marl won the toss and elected to field
  • Match Type: Group Match

Standout Players to Watch

Based on available career and event data, here are the predicted top performers for this clash:

  • Most 6s:Akhil Sugathan (KCC) – With a career average of 2.0 sixes per match, Akhil is the most prolific six-hitter in this contest.
  • Most Runs:Akshay Dhani (KCC) – Averaging 21.0 runs per match, Akshay is the most consistent run-scorer among all players.
  • Most Wickets:Shreyas Pande, Suvajit Basu, Binson Thomas (KCC) – Each averages 1.0 wicket per match, making them the leading wicket-takers in this fixture.
  • Match MVP:Akshay Dhani (KCC) – With a career average of 69.0 fantasy points per match, Akshay stands out as the top all-round fantasy performer.

Team Introductions & Key Stats

Koln CC (KCC)

  • Team Colours: Pink & Blue
  • Matches Played: 30
  • Matches Won: 13
  • Win Percentage: 43.3%
  • Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Akshay Dhani (69.0 points/match)
  • Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Sasanka Sanka (85.0 points/match)
  • Top Six-Hitter: Akhil Sugathan (19 career sixes, 2.0 per match)
  • Top Wicket-Taker: Shreyas Pande, Suvajit Basu, Binson Thomas (1.0 wickets per match)

Lenkerbeck Marl (LEM)

  • Team Colours: Light Green & Black
  • Matches Played, Wins, Win %: Data not available
  • Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Arfan Malik (33.0 points/match)
  • Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Data not available
  • Top Six-Hitter: Arfan Malik (2 career sixes)
  • Top Wicket-Taker: Arfan Malik (0.0 wickets per match, but highest among available data)

Player Highlights

Koln CC (KCC)

Akshay Dhani – All Rounder

Akshay Dhani is the fantasy powerhouse for KCC, boasting an impressive 69.0 average fantasy points per match over 10 games. With 16 sixes, 21 fours, and a top score of 63, Akshay is a proven match-winner with both bat and ball. Their all-round skills are further highlighted by 166 bowling fantasy points and a Player of the Match award, making them a prime candidate for captaincy in fantasy leagues.

Akhil Sugathan – Batsman

Akhil brings explosive batting to the KCC lineup, with a career average of 40.0 batting fantasy points per match and 19 sixes in just 9 matches. Their top score of 62 and a highest single-match fantasy haul of 173 points underline their ability to change the game in a matter of overs. Akhil also contributes in the field, with 6 catches and 60 fielding fantasy points.

Sasanka Sanka – Batsman, Captain

As the team captain, Sasanka Sanka leads by example. With 697 career fantasy points from 18 matches (39.0 per match), including a top score of 59 and 17 sixes, Sasanka is a reliable anchor. Their recent form is notable, with 85 fantasy points in the current event and a strong showing in both batting and fielding.

Irfan Ahmed – Batsman

Irfan is a consistent performer, averaging 36.0 fantasy points per match over 12 games. With 13 sixes and 13 fours, Irfan is a key middle-order batter. Their fielding is also sharp, with 4 catches and a highest match fielding score of 16 points in the current event.

Lenkerbeck Marl (LEM)

Arfan Malik – All Rounder, Captain

Arfan Malik is the standout for LEM, with 295 career fantasy points in 9 matches (33.0 per match). While their batting numbers are modest (2 sixes, 2 fours, top score of 13), Arfan’s all-round contributions, including 124 bowling fantasy points and 9 catches, make them a vital asset. As captain, Arfan’s leadership and fielding prowess (8.0 fielding points per match) will be crucial.

Omair Chaudhry – Batsman

Omair is an eligible batter for LEM, though career and event data are not yet available. As a specialist batter, expectations will be high for Omair to provide stability at the top of the order.

Sheraz Zadran – Bowler

Sheraz is a new entrant for LEM, with no career data yet. As a bowler, Sheraz will be looking to make an immediate impact and support Arfan Malik in the bowling department.

Khurshid Momand – All Rounder

Another fresh face, Khurshid brings all-round skills to the LEM squad. While stats are not available, their role as an all-rounder suggests they could be a surprise package in both batting and bowling.

Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head

  • Best Batter vs Best Bowler:

    • Akhil Sugathan (KCC) vs Arfan Malik (LEM)
      • Akhil’s aggressive batting (2.0 sixes/match, 19.0 runs/match) will be tested by Arfan’s all-round skills and fielding acumen.
    • Akshay Dhani (KCC) vs Arfan Malik (LEM)
      • Akshay’s all-round dominance (69.0 fantasy points/match) faces off against Arfan’s leadership and fielding (33.0 points/match).

  • Bowling Battle:

    • Shreyas Pande, Suvajit Basu, Binson Thomas (KCC) each average 1.0 wicket per match, while LEM’s bowling attack is largely untested at this level.

  • Fantasy Points Showdown:

    • KCC’s top four (Akshay, Akhil, Sasanka, Irfan) all average above 30 fantasy points per match, while LEM’s Arfan Malik is the only player with significant fantasy history.

Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

  • Safe Captaincy Pick:
    • Akshay Dhani (KCC) – Highest average fantasy points, consistent all-rounder, and proven match-winner.
  • Safe Vice-Captain Pick:
    • Akhil Sugathan (KCC) – Explosive batter, high sixes per match, and strong fantasy record.
  • Bold Captaincy Option:
    • Sasanka Sanka (KCC) – Recent form in the current event is excellent, and as captain, may play a leading role.
  • Differential Pick:
    • Arfan Malik (LEM) – LEM’s best all-rounder and captain, could deliver with both bat and ball.

Insights & Key Matchups

  • Koln CC’s Experience vs LEM’s New Faces:
    KCC brings a wealth of experience and proven performers, with multiple players boasting strong fantasy and on-field records. LEM, on the other hand, will rely heavily on Arfan Malik’s all-round abilities and hope for breakout performances from their new recruits.

  • Game-Changers:

    • Akshay Dhani and Akhil Sugathan for KCC can take the game away in a few overs with their power-hitting and all-round skills.
    • Arfan Malik for LEM is the key to their fortunes, with contributions expected in all departments.

  • Fantasy Focus:
    KCC’s top order and all-rounders are the safest bets for fantasy points, while LEM’s unknowns present high-risk, high-reward options.

Final Word

With Koln CC’s established stars and Lenkerbeck Marl’s fresh talent, this Group A encounter promises to be an intriguing contest. Expect fireworks from KCC’s big hitters and a spirited challenge from LEM’s new-look squad. As the ECS Germany, Krefeld, 2025 unfolds, this match could set the tone for both teams’ campaigns.

Stay tuned for live action from Bayer Uerdingen Cricket Ground!

  1. Akshay Dhani – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 69.0 – Koln CC
  2. Akhil Sugathan – Batter – Avg. Points: 59.0 – Koln CC
  3. Sasanka Sanka – Batter – Avg. Points: 39.0 – Koln CC
  4. Suvajit Basu – Bowler – Avg. Points: 38.0 – Koln CC
  5. Irfan Ahmed – Batter – Avg. Points: 36.0 – Koln CC
  6. Arfan Malik – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 33.0 – Lenkerbeck Marl
  7. Shreyas Pande – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 27.0 – Koln CC
  8. Binson Thomas – Bowler – Avg. Points: 24.0 – Koln CC
  9. Siva Indukuri – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 6.0 – Koln CC
  10. Sivakumar Kumpatla – Bowler – Avg. Points: 4.0 – Koln CC
  11. Ashik Rahuman – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 2.0 – Koln CC

Number of players in the list from each team:

  • Koln CC: 9
  • Lenkerbeck Marl: 2

Number of players from each skill type:

  • All Rounder: 5
  • Batter: 3
  • Bowler: 3
  • Wicket Keeper: 0

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