ECS Romania, 2025: Phoenix CC (PHX) vs Bucharest Gladiators (BUG) – Match 11 Preview
Event: ECS Romania, 2025
Match: Phoenix CC (PHX) vs Bucharest Gladiators (BUG), Single Group Match Day 3, Match 11
Date: 3rd June 2025
Start Time: 09:15 Local Time | 10:45 IST
Venue: Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground
Format: T10
Match Type: Group Match
Toss: Bucharest Gladiators won the toss and elected to bat
Team Introductions
Bucharest Gladiators (BUG)
- Team Colours: Red & Dark Blue
- Matches Played: 49
- Matches Won: 29
- Win Percentage: 59.18%
BUG enter this contest as one of the most consistent sides in ECS Romania history, boasting a win percentage just shy of 60%. Their squad is brimming with all-rounders and dynamic bowlers, making them a formidable force in the T10 format.
- Strongest Player (Fantasy Average): Likshan Sasanga (87.0 avg. fantasy points per match, both career and current event)
- Top Six-Hitter: Likshan Sasanga (8 career sixes)
- Top Wicket-Taker: Ali Zain (19 matches, 292 bowling fantasy points, 3 wickets in a match best)
Phoenix CC (PHX)
- Team Colours: Orange & Dark Blue
- Matches Played: 5
- Matches Won: 2
- Win Percentage: 40%
Phoenix CC are a relatively new entrant with a smaller sample size but have already shown flashes of brilliance. Their squad features several high-impact all-rounders and explosive batters, making them a dangerous opponent on their day.
- Strongest Player (Fantasy Average): Thilina Jayasuriya (65.0 avg. fantasy points per match, career)
- Top Six-Hitter: Bilal Ahmed (71 career sixes)
- Top Wicket-Taker: Joshak Khadka (21 matches, 759 bowling fantasy points, 3 wickets in a match best)
Player Highlights
Bucharest Gladiators (BUG)
1. Likshan Sasanga (All Rounder)
A true all-rounder, Sasanga has been the heartbeat of BUG’s campaign. With an average of 87 fantasy points per match (career and event), he is a dual threat. His batting prowess is evident with 8 sixes and a top score of 50, while his bowling has fetched him 136 points, including a 3-wicket haul. Sasanga’s ability to contribute in all departments makes him a must-watch.
2. Atif Naqvi (Batsman)
Naqvi brings stability and aggression to the top order. With 659 career fantasy points and a high of 185 in a single match, he’s capable of game-changing innings. He has 25 fours and 19 sixes in his career, and his current event form (56 avg. fantasy points per match) suggests he’s peaking at the right time. Notably, he has a Player of the Match award to his name.
3. Ali Zain (Bowler, Captain)
The captain leads from the front with the ball, amassing 292 bowling fantasy points and a best of 3 wickets in a match. His average of 24 fantasy points per match (career) and 37 in the current event underlines his consistency. Zain’s leadership and knack for breakthroughs will be crucial.
4. Muhammad Rashid (All Rounder, Wicket Keeper)
Rashid is a dynamic all-rounder with 258 career fantasy points from just 4 matches (65 avg. per match). He’s equally effective with bat and ball, scoring 44 as his best and taking 2 wickets in a match. His fielding (3 catches in the event) adds further value.
Phoenix CC (PHX)
1. Thilina Jayasuriya (Batsman)
Jayasuriya is PHX’s fantasy powerhouse, averaging 65 points per match (career) and 41 in the current event. With 47 fours and 19 sixes, he’s a boundary-hitter who can accelerate at will. His all-round contributions (486 bowling fantasy points) make him a top pick.
2. Bilal Ahmed (Wicket Keeper)
Ahmed is the six-hitting machine for PHX, with 71 career sixes and 50 fours. He’s also a reliable wicketkeeper, with 16 catches and 6 stumpings. His 53 average fantasy points per match (career) and 38 in the current event, along with two Player of the Match awards, highlight his match-winning potential.
3. Joshak Khadka (All Rounder)
Khadka is a consistent all-rounder, with 49 average fantasy points per match (career) and an impressive 65 in the current event. His bowling is his main weapon (759 career bowling fantasy points), and he’s also a safe pair of hands in the field (9 catches).
4. Rajesh Kumar (All Rounder, Captain)
The captain leads by example, with 57 matches under his belt and a Player of the Match award. He’s a steady fantasy contributor (44 avg. per match career, 53 in the event), with 56 fours and 28 sixes. His all-round skills and leadership will be vital for PHX.
Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head
Likshan Sasanga (BUG) vs. Joshak Khadka (PHX):
Both are all-rounders with high fantasy averages (Sasanga: 87, Khadka: 49 career/65 event). Sasanga’s explosive batting (8 sixes in 4 matches) will be tested by Khadka’s disciplined bowling (759 career bowling points).Atif Naqvi (BUG) vs. Bilal Ahmed (PHX):
Naqvi’s aggressive batting (19 sixes, 25 fours) faces off against Ahmed’s wicketkeeping and counter-attacking style (71 sixes, 50 fours). Both are capable of turning the match in a few overs.Ali Zain (BUG) vs. Thilina Jayasuriya (PHX):
Zain’s bowling (292 points, 3 wickets in a match) will be up against Jayasuriya’s boundary-hitting ability (47 fours, 19 sixes). This contest could decide the momentum in the powerplay.
Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations
Safe Picks
- Likshan Sasanga (BUG): Consistent all-rounder, high fantasy average, contributes in all departments.
- Thilina Jayasuriya (PHX): Proven fantasy performer, reliable with both bat and ball.
Bold Picks
- Bilal Ahmed (PHX): Explosive with the bat, high ceiling, and strong wicketkeeping stats.
- Atif Naqvi (BUG): Capable of big scores, especially if he gets going in the powerplay.
Insights & Key Matchups
Game-Changers:
- Likshan Sasanga is the most complete player in this contest, with the ability to dominate with both bat and ball.
- Bilal Ahmed can single-handedly change the game with his six-hitting prowess.
- Joshak Khadka and Ali Zain will be the key bowlers to watch, especially in the death overs.
Fantasy X-Factors:
- Muhammad Rashid (BUG): High event average, contributes in all three facets.
- Arunkumar Unnikrishnan (PHX): Under-the-radar wicketkeeper with a solid fantasy record.
Team Form:
- BUG’s experience and higher win percentage give them a slight edge, but PHX’s explosive players can upset the odds.
Final Word
With both teams boasting match-winners and all-rounders in form, this ECS Romania, 2025 clash at Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground promises fireworks. Expect a high-scoring, action-packed T10 encounter where individual brilliance could tip the scales. Keep an eye on the all-rounders and power-hitters for your fantasy teams, and don’t miss a ball of this exciting contest!
Top 11 Players by Highest Average Fantasy Points per Match
- Likshan Sasanga – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 87.0 – BGR
- Muhammad Rashid – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 65.0 – BGR
- Thilina Jayasuriya – Batsman – Avg. Points: 65.0 – PHX
- Bilal Ahmed – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 53.0 – PHX
- Aleem Abdul – Bowler – Avg. Points: 51.0 – PHX
- Joshak Khadka – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 49.0 – PHX
- Rajesh Kumar – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 44.0 – PHX
- Atif Naqvi – Batsman – Avg. Points: 33.0 – BGR
- Talha Babar – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 30.0 – BGR
- Samiullah Safi – Bowler – Avg. Points: 27.0 – BGR
- Muhtaram Shah – Bowler – Avg. Points: 27.0 – PHX
Number of players in the list from each team:
- Phoenix CC (PHX): 6
- Bucharest Gladiators (BGR): 5
Number of players from each skill type:
- All Rounder: 5
- Bowler: 3
- Batsman: 2
- Wicket Keeper: 1
Legend:
BGR = Bucharest Gladiators
PHX = Phoenix CC
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