ECS Germany, Krefeld, 2025: VG vs KCC – Group A Match Day 1, Match 1 Preview

Event: ECS Germany, Krefeld, 2025
Match: VfB Gelsenkirchen (VG) vs Koln CC (KCC) – Group A Match Day 1, Match 1
Date: 14 July 2025
Start Time: 09:00 Local Time | 11:30 IST
Venue: Bayer Uerdingen Cricket Ground
Format: T10
Match Type: Group Match
Toss: Koln CC won the toss and elected to field

Spotlight on the Stars: Who Will Shine Brightest?

As the ECS Germany, Krefeld, 2025 kicks off, all eyes are on the opening clash between VfB Gelsenkirchen (VG) and Koln CC (KCC). With both teams eager to set the tone for their campaigns, the stage is set for a high-octane T10 encounter.

Predicted Standouts

  • Most Sixes:
    Shazaib Khan (VG) and Ace Pruss (VG) both average 1 six per match, the highest among all players in this fixture. Expect fireworks from these power-hitters.

  • Most Runs:
    Shazaib Khan (VG) leads with a career average of 19 runs per match, closely followed by Akhil Sugathan (KCC) and Irfan Ahmed (KCC) at 18 and 13 respectively.

  • Most Wickets:
    Muhammad Raheel (VG) stands out with a career average of 1 wicket per match, making them the bowler to watch.

  • Match MVP:
    Muhammad Raheel (VG) boasts the highest average fantasy points per match (65), making them the top candidate for the MVP title.

Team Introductions & Key Stats

Koln CC (KCC)

  • Team Colours: Pink & Blue
  • Matches Played: 29
  • Matches Won: 13
  • Win Percentage: 44.8%
  • Strongest Player (Fantasy): Akhil Sugathan (57 avg. fantasy points/match)
  • Best Batter (Sixes): Akhil Sugathan (19 career sixes)
  • Best Bowler (Wickets): While no KCC player averages more than 0 wickets per match, Akhil Sugathan and Sasanka Sanka have contributed with the ball.

VfB Gelsenkirchen (VG)

  • Team Colours: Black & Green
  • Matches Played: 24
  • Matches Won: 7
  • Win Percentage: 29.2%
  • Strongest Player (Fantasy): Muhammad Raheel (65 avg. fantasy points/match)
  • Best Batter (Sixes): Shazaib Khan (34 career sixes)
  • Best Bowler (Wickets): Muhammad Raheel (1 wicket per match)

Player Highlights

Koln CC (KCC)

1. Akhil Sugathan – Batsman

Akhil Sugathan is KCC’s most prolific fantasy performer, averaging 57 points per match across 9 games. With 19 sixes and a top score of 62, Akhil is a proven match-winner. Their all-round skills are evident, contributing 80 bowling fantasy points and 52 fielding points, making them a triple-threat in the T10 format.

2. Sasanka Sanka – Batsman (Captain)

With 18 matches under their belt, Sasanka Sanka brings experience and leadership. Averaging 34 fantasy points per match, they have hit 15 sixes and scored a fifty, with a top score of 59. Their fielding is reliable, with 4 catches and a stumping, adding value in all departments.

3. Irfan Ahmed – Batsman

Irfan Ahmed is a consistent performer, averaging 32 fantasy points per match over 12 games. With 12 sixes and a top score of 39, Irfan is a key figure in KCC’s batting lineup. Their fielding contributions, though modest, add to their all-round value.

4. Shreyas Pande – All Rounder

Though early in their career (1 match), Shreyas Pande is an all-rounder to watch. While yet to make a mark in fantasy points, their dual skillset could be crucial as the tournament progresses.

VfB Gelsenkirchen (VG)

1. Muhammad Raheel – All Rounder

The standout fantasy performer of the match, Muhammad Raheel averages a remarkable 65 points per match over 23 games. With 22 sixes, 501 batting fantasy points, and 886 bowling fantasy points (including two 4-wicket hauls), Raheel is a genuine game-changer. Their three Player of the Match awards (13% of matches) underline their match-winning pedigree.

2. Shazaib Khan – Batsman

A power-hitter with 34 sixes and three fifties in 19 matches, Shazaib Khan averages 51 fantasy points per match. Their top score of 72 and highest single-match fantasy haul of 160 points make them a constant threat to any bowling attack.

3. Ace Pruss – Batsman

With 25 matches and 30 sixes, Ace Pruss is another explosive batter for VG. Averaging 51 fantasy points per match, they have also contributed with the ball (379 bowling points, including a five-wicket haul) and in the field (14 catches).

4. Gopinath Manoharan – Wicket Keeper

A reliable presence behind the stumps, Gopinath has played 34 matches, scoring 744 batting fantasy points and taking 7 catches. Their average of 34 fantasy points per match and two Player of the Match awards highlight their consistency.

Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head

  • Shazaib Khan (VG) vs Akhil Sugathan (KCC):
    Both are six-hitting machines, but Shazaib edges ahead with 34 career sixes to Akhil’s 19. In terms of fantasy points, Shazaib averages 51 per match, while Akhil leads KCC with 57.

  • Muhammad Raheel (VG) vs KCC Batters:
    Raheel’s bowling (1 wicket per match, 886 bowling points) will be a stern test for KCC’s top order, especially for Akhil and Sasanka, who have yet to face a bowler of Raheel’s T10 pedigree.

  • Ace Pruss (VG) vs KCC Bowlers:
    With a top score of 79 and a five-wicket haul, Ace Pruss can turn the game with both bat and ball, making their duel with KCC’s all-rounders a must-watch.

Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

  • Safe Captaincy Pick:
    Muhammad Raheel (VG) – Highest average fantasy points, consistent all-rounder, and proven match-winner.

  • Safe Vice-Captain Pick:
    Akhil Sugathan (KCC) – KCC’s top fantasy performer, explosive with the bat, and handy with the ball.

  • Bold Captaincy Option:
    Shazaib Khan (VG) – High ceiling with the bat, capable of massive fantasy hauls.

  • Bold Vice-Captain Option:
    Ace Pruss (VG) – All-round potential, can deliver big with both bat and ball.

Insights & Key Matchups

  • Potential Game-Changers:

    • Muhammad Raheel (VG): All-round impact, highest fantasy average, and wicket-taking ability.
    • Akhil Sugathan (KCC): Explosive batting, leading six-hitter for KCC, and strong fantasy record.
    • Shazaib Khan (VG): Most sixes in the match, capable of quick runs in the T10 format.
    • Ace Pruss (VG): All-rounder with a history of big performances.

  • Key Matchups:

    • VG’s power-hitters vs KCC’s bowling attack.
    • Raheel’s bowling vs KCC’s top order.
    • KCC’s fielding unit vs VG’s aggressive running between the wickets.

Conclusion

The opening match of ECS Germany, Krefeld, 2025 promises a thrilling contest between two ambitious sides. With explosive batters, dynamic all-rounders, and match-winners on both teams, expect a high-scoring, action-packed T10 encounter at Bayer Uerdingen Cricket Ground. Fantasy managers and fans alike should keep a close eye on the key players highlighted above, as they are poised to make a significant impact in this much-anticipated Group A opener.

Let the games begin!

  1. Muhammad Raheel – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 65.0 – VFB
  2. Akhil Sugathan – Batsman – Avg. Points: 57.0 – KCC
  3. Ace Pruss – Batsman – Avg. Points: 51.0 – VFB
  4. Shazaib Khan – Batsman – Avg. Points: 51.0 – VFB
  5. Gopinath Manoharan – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 34.0 – VFB
  6. Sasanka Sanka – Batsman – Avg. Points: 34.0 – KCC
  7. Irfan Ahmed – Batsman – Avg. Points: 32.0 – KCC
  8. Rubesh Palaniappan – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 28.0 – VFB
  9. Mirwali Jabarkheel – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 25.0 – VFB
  10. Waqas Fatmi – Batsman – Avg. Points: 18.0 – VFB
  11. Raj Bhushan – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 12.0 – VFB

Number of players from each team:

  • VfB Gelsenkirchen (VFB): 8
  • Koln CC (KCC): 3

Number of players from each skill type:

  • Batsman: 5
  • All Rounder: 3
  • Wicket Keeper: 2
  • Bowler: 0

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