ECS Sweden, Stockholm, 2025: Alby Zalmi (ALZ) vs Huddinge (HUD) – Match 1 Preview

Event: ECS Sweden, Stockholm, 2025
Match: ALZ vs HUD – Single Group Match Day 1, Match 1
Date: 23 July 2025
Start Time: 08:45 Local Time | 11:15 IST
Venue: Botkyrka Cricket Center
Format: T10
Match Type: Group Match
Toss: Alby Zalmi won the toss and elected to field


Spotlight on the Stars: Who Will Shine Brightest?

As the ECS Sweden, Stockholm, 2025 gets underway, all eyes turn to Botkyrka Cricket Center for a high-octane T10 opener between Alby Zalmi (ALZ) and Huddinge (HUD). With both teams boasting a blend of experience and explosive talent, this promises to be a thrilling curtain-raiser.

Predicted Standouts

  • Most Sixes:
    Faruk Ahmed (ALZ) and Saeed Ahmed (HUD) both average 1 six per match, but with Faruk’s 94 career sixes in 53 matches, he edges as the likely six-hitting leader.

  • Most Runs:
    Faruk Ahmed (ALZ) leads with a career average of 22 runs per match, making him the top candidate to anchor the innings.

  • Most Wickets:
    While several bowlers have impactful spells, Tariq Zuwak (HUD) stands out with a career average of 22 bowling fantasy points per match and a best of 3 wickets in a match.

  • Match MVP:
    Faruk Ahmed (ALZ), with a stellar 62 average fantasy points per match over his career, is the frontrunner for the MVP honors.


Team Introductions & Key Stats

Alby Zalmi (ALZ)

  • Matches Played: 57
  • Matches Won: 37
  • Win Percentage: 64.9%
  • Strongest Player (Career Avg. Fantasy Points): Faruk Ahmed (62 per match)
  • Strongest Player (Current Event): No matches played yet
  • Top Six-Hitter: Faruk Ahmed (94 career sixes)
  • Top Wicket-Taker: Azam Khalil (most wickets, 73 matches, 817 bowling fantasy points)

Huddinge (HUD)

  • Matches Played: 29
  • Matches Won: 19
  • Win Percentage: 65.5%
  • Strongest Player (Career Avg. Fantasy Points): Saeed Ahmed (46 per match)
  • Strongest Player (Current Event): No matches played yet
  • Top Six-Hitter: Saeed Ahmed (114 career sixes)
  • Top Wicket-Taker: Tariq Zuwak (626 bowling fantasy points, 28 matches)

Player Highlights

Alby Zalmi (ALZ)

Faruk Ahmed – Batsman

With 3,278 career fantasy points and an average of 62 per match, Faruk Ahmed is the heartbeat of ALZ’s batting. His 94 sixes and 108 fours in 53 matches, along with 7 fifties and a top score of 97, make him a constant threat. Faruk’s ability to turn games is reflected in his 4 Player of the Match awards (7.5% of matches).

Azam Khalil – All Rounder (Captain)

Azam Khalil brings a wealth of experience with 73 matches and 2,146 career fantasy points (29 per match). He’s contributed 35 sixes, 57 fours, and 3 fifties, and is a reliable all-rounder with 817 bowling fantasy points. His 11 Player of the Match awards (15% of matches) underline his match-winning pedigree.

Arslan Ali – All Rounder/Wicket Keeper

Arslan Ali’s dual role as a wicket keeper and all-rounder is vital. In 19 matches, he’s amassed 700 fantasy points (37 per match), with 19 sixes and 21 fours. His top score of 38 and consistent fielding (4 catches) make him a valuable asset.

Saad Nawaz – Bowler

Saad Nawaz, with 638 career fantasy points (32 per match), is a key bowler for ALZ. He’s also handy with the bat, having scored a fifty and hit 7 sixes. His bowling best is 3 wickets in a match, and he’s earned a Player of the Match award in 5% of his games.


Huddinge (HUD)

Saeed Ahmed – All Rounder

Saeed Ahmed is HUD’s talisman, with 3,328 career fantasy points (46 per match), 114 sixes, and 53 fours in 73 matches. He’s scored 6 fifties and taken 29 catches, with 8 Player of the Match awards (11% of matches). His all-round ability makes him a constant threat.

Imal Zuwak – Wicket Keeper

Imal Zuwak is a dynamic wicket keeper-batter, with 2,801 fantasy points (44 per match) in 64 matches. He’s hit 83 sixes and 110 fours, with 4 fifties and a top score of 93. Imal’s 19 catches and 4 stumpings highlight his prowess behind the stumps.

Tariq Zuwak – All Rounder

Tariq Zuwak’s 1,315 fantasy points (47 per match) in 28 matches come from his all-round skills. He’s hit 18 sixes and 28 fours, and his bowling (626 points, best of 3 wickets in a match) makes him a key player. He’s also won 2 Player of the Match awards.

Samiullah Rahmani – All Rounder (Captain)

With 2,922 fantasy points (35 per match) in 83 matches, Samiullah Rahmani is a seasoned campaigner. He’s hit 88 sixes, 38 fours, and taken 31 catches. His 3 Player of the Match awards and leadership will be crucial for HUD.


Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head

  • Faruk Ahmed (ALZ) vs Saeed Ahmed (HUD):
    Both are six-hitting machines and fantasy point leaders. Faruk averages 22 runs per match, while Saeed averages 13, but Saeed has more sixes overall (114 vs 94).

  • Azam Khalil (ALZ) vs Tariq Zuwak (HUD):
    Both are all-rounders with strong bowling records. Azam has 817 bowling fantasy points in 73 matches, while Tariq has 626 in 28 matches, indicating Tariq’s higher impact per game.

  • Arslan Ali (ALZ) vs Imal Zuwak (HUD):
    Both wicket keepers are capable of explosive batting. Imal’s 44 fantasy points per match and 83 sixes give him the edge in power-hitting.


Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

Safe Picks

  • Faruk Ahmed (ALZ): Consistent high fantasy returns, top run-scorer, and six-hitter.
  • Saeed Ahmed (HUD): All-round contributions and high six count.

Bold Picks

  • Tariq Zuwak (HUD): High bowling impact and all-round potential.
  • Azam Khalil (ALZ): Proven match-winner with both bat and ball.

Insights & Key Matchups

  • Game Changers:

    • Faruk Ahmed and Saeed Ahmed are likely to dominate with the bat and in fantasy points.
    • Tariq Zuwak and Azam Khalil could swing the match with their all-round abilities.
    • Imal Zuwak’s wicket keeping and power hitting could be decisive in the T10 format.
  • Fantasy Focus:

    • Prioritize players with high sixes and all-round skills for maximum points.
    • Watch for explosive starts—T10 rewards aggressive intent.

Final Word

With both Alby Zalmi and Huddinge boasting strong win records and star performers, the opening match of ECS Sweden, Stockholm, 2025 is set for fireworks. Expect a contest defined by big hits, all-round brilliance, and fantasy points galore. Don’t miss the action as these two powerhouses set the tone for the tournament!

  1. Faruk Ahmed – Batsman – Avg. Points: 62.0 – ALZ
  2. Tariq Zuwak – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 47.0 – HUD
  3. Saeed Ahmed – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 46.0 – HUD
  4. Imal Zuwak – Wicket Keeper – Avg. Points: 44.0 – HUD
  5. Arslan Ali – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 37.0 – ALZ
  6. Samiullah Rahmani – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 35.0 – HUD
  7. Saad Nawaz – Bowler – Avg. Points: 32.0 – ALZ
  8. Azam Khalil – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 29.0 – ALZ
  9. Azam Mohammad – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 27.0 – HUD
  10. Farhad Momand – All Rounder – Avg. Points: 22.0 – HUD
  11. Bakht Pervaiz – Batsman – Avg. Points: 21.0 – HUD

Number of players from each team:

  • Huddinge (HUD): 7
  • Alby Zalmi (ALZ): 4

Number of players from each skill type:

  • All Rounder: 7
  • Batsman: 2
  • Wicket Keeper: 1
  • Bowler: 1

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