ECS Romania, 2025: BLW vs BUG – Match 5 Preview
Event: ECS Romania, 2025
Match: BLW vs BUG – Single Group Match Day 1, Match 5
Date: 1st June 2025
Start Time: 17:30 Local Time | 19:00 IST
Venue: Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground
Format: T10
Match Type: Group Match
Toss: Bliss Warriors won the toss and elected to bat
Team Introductions
Bliss Warriors (BLW)
The Bliss Warriors enter this contest with a fresh approach, having won the toss and chosen to set a target. While their overall team record in the ECS Romania is not available, their squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent. The standout performer, based on average fantasy points per match over their career, is Ijaz Hussain with an impressive 42.0 points per match. In the current event, no player has yet registered fantasy points, indicating a new campaign for the squad.
- Most Career Sixes (BLW): Ijaz Hussain (43 sixes in 55 matches)
- Most Career Wickets (BLW): Ijaz Hussain (4 wickets in a match, 2 three-wicket hauls, 1 four-wicket haul)
- Team Shirt Colour: Orange
Bucharest Gladiators (BUG)
The Bucharest Gladiators bring a wealth of experience, having played 64 matches with 29 wins, boasting a win percentage of 45.3%. Their most consistent fantasy performer is Muhammad Abubakar, averaging 37.0 fantasy points per match. Atif Naqvi is the team’s leading six-hitter with 15 career sixes, while Ali Zain and Samiullah Safi have been the most effective with the ball, each having taken three wickets in a match.
- Most Career Sixes (BUG): Atif Naqvi (15 sixes in 17 matches)
- Most Career Wickets (BUG): Ali Zain & Samiullah Safi (3 wickets in a match)
- Team Shirt Colour: Red with Dark Blue
Player Highlights
Bliss Warriors
Ijaz Hussain – All Rounder
Ijaz Hussain is the heartbeat of the Bliss Warriors, with a remarkable record across 55 matches. He has amassed 2,317 career fantasy points, with a highest single-match haul of 215. His all-round prowess is evident: 43 sixes, 55 fours, and three fifties with the bat, complemented by 869 bowling fantasy points and a best of 4 wickets in a match. He’s also a reliable fielder with 9 catches. Hussain’s consistency (42.0 average fantasy points per match) and ability to deliver in all departments make him a prime candidate for Player of the Match honors, having already claimed one such award in his career.
Isfahan Doekhie – All Rounder, Captain
As captain, Isfahan Doekhie brings leadership and versatility. In 33 matches, he’s scored 629 fantasy points, with a best of 129 in a single game. His batting includes 11 fours and 2 sixes, while his bowling has yielded a four-wicket haul and 287 fantasy points. Doekhie’s fielding is also notable, with 7 catches. His all-round contributions and captaincy will be crucial for BLW.
Dilusha Lakshan – All Rounder
With 15 matches under his belt, Dilusha Lakshan has accumulated 273 fantasy points, averaging 18.0 per match. He’s hit 9 fours and 5 sixes, with a top score of 20. While his bowling stats are yet to shine, his fielding (6 catches) adds value. Lakshan’s ability to chip in across departments makes him a valuable asset.
Shamod Madumal – Wicket Keeper
Madumal, with 11 matches, has 112 career fantasy points and a highest single-match score of 41. While his batting and fielding numbers are modest, his 67 bowling fantasy points and experience behind the stumps provide depth to the Warriors’ lineup.
Bucharest Gladiators
Muhammad Abubakar – All Rounder, Wicket Keeper
Abubakar stands out with 146 career fantasy points in just 4 matches, averaging 37.0 per game. He’s a powerful striker, having hit 8 sixes and 1 four, with a top score of 28. His batting fantasy points (132) highlight his impact, though his bowling returns are negative, indicating a batting-focused role. Abubakar’s aggressive approach can change the game in a few overs.
Atif Naqvi – Batsman
Naqvi is the Gladiators’ most experienced batter, with 434 fantasy points in 17 matches (26.0 average). He’s hit 16 fours and 15 sixes, with a top score of 40 and a highest batting fantasy points tally of 92 in a match. Naqvi has also claimed a Player of the Match award, underlining his match-winning potential.
Ali Zain – Bowler
With 16 matches, Zain has 312 fantasy points (20.0 average), including a best of 87 in a single match. He’s contributed 3 fours with the bat, but his main strength is bowling, with 204 fantasy points and a best of 3 wickets in a match. Zain’s ability to strike with the ball makes him a key threat.
Samiullah Safi – Bowler
Safi has 218 fantasy points from 8 matches (27.0 average), with a best of 107 in a single game. His bowling is his forte, with 187 fantasy points and a three-wicket haul. Safi’s knack for breakthroughs can tilt the balance in BUG’s favor.
Player vs Player Head-to-Head
Ijaz Hussain (BLW) vs Ali Zain (BUG):
Hussain’s all-round numbers (42.0 avg fantasy points, 43 sixes, 869 bowling points) pit him against Zain’s bowling (13.0 avg bowling points, 3 wickets in a match). Hussain’s ability to clear the ropes and contribute with the ball makes this a fascinating contest.Muhammad Abubakar (BUG) vs Shamod Madumal (BLW):
Both are wicketkeeper-batters, but Abubakar’s aggressive batting (8 sixes, 33.0 avg batting fantasy points) gives him the edge over Madumal, who is more consistent behind the stumps.Atif Naqvi (BUG) vs Dilusha Lakshan (BLW):
Naqvi’s experience and six-hitting (15 sixes) will be tested by Lakshan’s all-round skills and fielding prowess.
Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations
Safe Picks
- Ijaz Hussain (BLW): His all-round consistency and high fantasy ceiling make him the safest captaincy choice.
- Muhammad Abubakar (BUG): For those seeking a reliable vice-captain, Abubakar’s batting explosiveness and fantasy average are compelling.
Bold Picks
- Isfahan Doekhie (BLW): As captain and an all-rounder, he could deliver a big performance.
- Atif Naqvi (BUG): His ability to hit sixes and past Player of the Match award make him a high-upside vice-captain option.
Insights & Key Matchups
Game Changers:
- Ijaz Hussain’s all-round ability can swing the match in BLW’s favor, especially if he fires with both bat and ball.
- Muhammad Abubakar and Atif Naqvi are the Gladiators’ best hopes for a quick start and a strong finish.
- Ali Zain and Samiullah Safi will be crucial in containing the Warriors’ batting lineup.
Fantasy Watch:
- All-rounders dominate the fantasy landscape in this fixture.
- Look for early momentum from the openers, but the match could be decided by the bowlers’ ability to take wickets in clusters.
Final Word
With the Bliss Warriors opting to bat first, the stage is set for a high-octane T10 clash at Moara Vlasiei. Both teams have match-winners and fantasy favorites, but the contest may hinge on which all-rounder seizes the moment. Expect fireworks, tight bowling spells, and a contest worthy of the ECS Romania stage.
Stay tuned for live action and updates!
Top 11 Players by Highest Average Fantasy Points per Match
- Ijaz Hussain – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 42.0 – Bliss Warriors
- Muhammad Abubakar – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 37.0 – Bucharest Gladiators
- Subhani Mahmood – Bowler – Avg. Points: 27.0 – Bucharest Gladiators
- Samiullah Safi – Bowler – Avg. Points: 27.0 – Bucharest Gladiators
- Atif Naqvi – Batsman – Avg. Points: 26.0 – Bucharest Gladiators
- Qaim Khan – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 14.0 – Bucharest Gladiators
- Isfahan Doekhie – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 19.0 – Bliss Warriors
- Dilusha Lakshan – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 18.0 – Bliss Warriors
- Ali Zain – Bowler – Avg. Points: 20.0 – Bucharest Gladiators
- Shamod Madumal – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 10.0 – Bliss Warriors
- Likshan Sasanga – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 0.0 – Bucharest Gladiators
Number of Players in the List from Each Team:
- Bucharest Gladiators: 6
- Bliss Warriors: 5
Number of Players from Each Skill Type:
- All Rounder: 4
- Bowler: 3
- Wicket Keeper: 2
- Batsman: 1
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