The European Cricket Network live broadcasts the 2020 European Cricket Series Barcelona semi-final ncounter between United Girona and Falco.
Tune in to the live action Friday from 8:30am CET * 7:30am UK/GMT * 12:30pm IST from the Montjuïc ground in Barcelona, Spain.
Team Preview for United Girona
United Girona CC won six out of their seven group matches to top Group A, with their only loss coming to fellow semi-finalists Kings CC in the first week of action. They haven’t lost for over two weeks but had a scare in their last match against Fateh, posting only 92 off their ten overs before turning it on with the ball, keeping Fateh to only 35, the lowest-ever recorded total in a European Cricket Series match.
Captain: Mirza Imtiaz Asghar
Main Wicketkeeper: Muhammad Ehsan
Key Players:
Sumair Safdar Khan was dynamite in their last match against Fateh. Needing somebody to step up defending an unremarkable total, Sumair took 5 wickets for only 9 runs off his two overs! Taking a wicket every 3.8 balls in Barcelona, this player has the knack for drawing opposition batsmen into costly errors.
Muhammad Ehsan is Girona’s leading run-scorer in the European Cricket Series, scoring 182 of them at a very healthy strike rate of 200. He was unfortunate to be run out in the first over in their last match so he will be out for revenge in this semi-final.
Muhammad Jafri is likely to come into the side. He has European Cricket League experience with Brescia as well as previous ECS experience. It can’t be easy to come into the team with so much on the line, but he is an explosive batsman and useful seam bowler who could make an impact.
Team Preview for Falco
Falco CC topped Group B for much of the series but were pipped by Catalunya CC after losing the showdown on Thursday night. The Falco bowlers were very expensive in that match and so will want to avoid a repeat performance in this crucial contest.
Captain: Kamran Raja
Main Wicketkeeper: Awais Ahmed
Key Players:
Awais Ahmed has been the standout batsman of the tournament in my book, leading the run-scoring across all teams with 287. He can also boast hitting more maximos than any other player in Barcelona. The Spanish national wicketkeeper has a big job to do for Falco at the top of the order if they are going to get their batting back on track and win their way through to the final.
Kamran Raja will lead the side. He bats in the middle order and can open the bowling for Falco. He copped some real punishment in the last match but he is experienced enough to turn things around.
Shahbaz Ahmed has taken more wickets in the series than any other Falco player, with nine of them including impressive figures of 4 for 7 against Raval Sporting.
Mr Maximo’s tip: FALCO
It comes as no surprise whatsoever that this match is very difficult to call. On one hand, United Girona have been reasonably consistent to top Group A, while Falco have been impressive too, aside from last night’s meltdown against Catalunya CC. United Girona worried me with their batting against Fateh in their last game although the inclusion of Muhammad Jafri might just be the X-factor they need right now. However, my instinct tells me that it will be Falco who will bounce back to book a place in the final. Don’t miss a minute of Finals Friday, right here on the European Cricket Network, before we head to Italy for a brand new seven day European Cricket Series from Rome on Monday!
