ECS Gibraltar, 2025: Sloggers (SLG) vs Rugby CC (RGC) – Match 5 Preview

Event: ECS Gibraltar, 2025
Match: Sloggers (SLG) vs Rugby CC (RGC), Single Group Match Day 1, Match 5
Date: 2nd August 2025
Start Time: 16:45 Local Time | 19:15 IST
Venue: Europa Sports Complex
Format: T10
Toss: Rugby CC won the toss and elected to field
Match Type: Group Match

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Setting the Stage

The ECS Gibraltar, 2025 continues to deliver high-octane T10 action, and Match 5 promises to be a thrilling encounter as Sloggers (SLG) take on Rugby CC (RGC) at the iconic Europa Sports Complex. With Rugby CC winning the toss and opting to field, both teams will be eager to make an early statement in the group stage.

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Predicted Standouts: Who Will Shine?

• Most 6s:
  Akila Rathnayake (SLG) – With a staggering career average of 4 sixes per match, Rathnayake is the clear favorite to clear the ropes most often.

• Most Runs:
  Dylan Henshall (SLG) – Averaging 33 runs per match, Henshall is the most consistent run-getter in this fixture.

• Most Wickets:
  William Vause (SLG) – With a career average of 1 wicket per match in just 2 outings, Vause is the leading wicket-taker by average.

• Match MVP:
  Dylan Henshall (SLG) – Boasting an exceptional 104 average fantasy points per match, Henshall is the top all-round fantasy performer.

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Team Introductions & Key Stats

Sloggers (SLG)

• Team Colors: Orange & Black
• Matches Played: 42
• Matches Won: 16
• Win Percentage: 38.1%
• Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Dylan Henshall (104 per match)
• Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Akila Rathnayake (75 per match)
• Top Six-Hitter: Akila Rathnayake (4 sixes per match)
• Top Wicket-Taker: Maanav Nayak (68 matches, 6 three-wicket hauls)

Rugby CC (RGC)

• Team Colors: Red & Black
• Matches Played: 38
• Matches Won: 18
• Win Percentage: 47.4%
• Strongest Player (Career Fantasy Avg): Kabir Mirpuri (27 per match)
• Strongest Player (Current Event Fantasy Avg): Iain Latin (86 per match)
• Top Six-Hitter: Alexander Hillman (1 six per match, 23 sixes in 23 matches)
• Top Wicket-Taker: Kabir Mirpuri (597 bowling fantasy points, 1 three-wicket match)

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Player Highlights

Sloggers (SLG)

Dylan Henshall – All-Rounder

A true match-winner, Henshall’s all-round prowess is reflected in their 104 average fantasy points per match and a career-high of 216 in a single game. With 35 sixes and 34 fours in just 12 matches, Henshall is a boundary-hitting machine. Their bowling adds further value, with 278 career bowling fantasy points and a best of 43 in a match. Five Player of the Match awards in 12 games (41.7% ratio) underline their game-changing ability.

Akila Rathnayake – Batsman

Despite only 2 matches, Rathnayake has already made a huge impact, scoring 8 sixes and 4 fours, with a top score of 64 and a fifty in the current event. Their 75 average fantasy points per match and a 150-point game highlight their explosive potential. Rathnayake’s ability to clear the ropes makes them a key threat.

Maanav Nayak – Bowler

With 68 matches under their belt, Nayak is a seasoned campaigner. They have accumulated 1,572 bowling fantasy points, including six three-wicket hauls and a best of 112 points in a match. Nayak’s 40 average fantasy points per match and 18 career catches make them a reliable fantasy and fielding pick.

Jawaad Bokhari – All-Rounder

Bokhari brings balance to the side with 24 matches and 306 career fantasy points. Their bowling is their strength, with 234 points and a best of 115 in a match, including a three-wicket haul. While their batting numbers are modest, Bokhari’s all-round skills can be crucial in the T10 format.

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Rugby CC (RGC)

Kabir Mirpuri – Bowler

Mirpuri is RGC’s fantasy leader, averaging 27 points per match and 72 in the current event. With 597 career bowling fantasy points and a best of 109 in a match, Mirpuri is a consistent wicket-taker. Three Player of the Match awards in 37 matches (8.1% ratio) reflect their match-winning potential.

Iain Latin – All-Rounder (Captain)

Latin is a proven performer with 62 matches, 1,129 career fantasy points, and 10 Player of the Match awards (16.1% ratio). Their all-round contributions include 660 batting fantasy points and 357 bowling points, with a best of 149 in a match. Latin’s leadership and form (86 average in current event) make them a key figure.

Alexander Hillman – Wicket-Keeper

Hillman is a dynamic wicket-keeper-batter, with 1,097 career fantasy points and a high of 221 in a match. Their 23 sixes and 43 fours in 23 matches, along with 9 stumpings, make them a valuable asset behind and in front of the stumps.

Louis Bruce – All-Rounder

Bruce’s 1,707 career fantasy points and 8 Player of the Match awards in 65 matches (12.3% ratio) highlight their all-round value. With 32 sixes, 47 fours, and 539 bowling fantasy points, Bruce is a proven performer in all departments.

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Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head

• Dylan Henshall (SLG) vs Kabir Mirpuri (RGC):
  Henshall’s explosive batting (33 runs per match, 2 sixes per match) will be tested by Mirpuri’s consistent bowling (16 bowling fantasy points per match, 1 three-wicket haul).

• Akila Rathnayake (SLG) vs Alexander Hillman (RGC):
  Rathnayake’s six-hitting prowess (4 per match) faces off against Hillman’s wicket-keeping and fielding skills (9 stumpings, 5 catches).

• Maanav Nayak (SLG) vs Iain Latin (RGC):
  Nayak’s bowling (23 points per match, 6 three-wicket hauls) will be crucial against Latin’s all-round ability (18 points per match, 10 Player of the Match awards).

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Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

Safe Picks

• Dylan Henshall (SLG): Consistent high fantasy returns and all-round impact.
• Kabir Mirpuri (RGC): Reliable wicket-taker and fantasy performer.

Bold Choices

• Akila Rathnayake (SLG): High ceiling with six-hitting ability and recent form.
• Iain Latin (RGC): Proven match-winner with both bat and ball, especially in the current event.

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Insights & Key Matchups

This match is set to be a battle of all-rounders and power-hitters. Sloggers’ dynamic duo of Henshall and Rathnayake can take the game away in a matter of overs, while Rugby CC’s experienced campaigners like Mirpuri and Latin will look to counter with disciplined bowling and all-round contributions. The contest between Henshall’s bat and Mirpuri’s ball could well decide the outcome, while the leadership of Latin and the finishing skills of Bruce add further intrigue.

Expect fireworks at the Europa Sports Complex as both teams vie for crucial points in the ECS Gibraltar, 2025. Stay tuned for a T10 classic!