The European Cricket Network live broadcasts the 2020 European Cricket Series Cartaxo encounter between Amigos Ansião and Rossio.
Tune in to the live action Thursday from 9:30am CEST * 8:30am UK * 7:30 GMT * 1pm IST from the Cartaxo Cricket Ground in Cartaxo, Portugal.
Team Preview for Amigos Ansião
Amigos CC Ansião have only won one of their three matches in the series but could still finish as high as top if they were to win their last two matches handsomely. They have a game in hand over the other teams competing for the remaining places in the final four, but will they be able to get the results they need to get to the next stage of the tournament?
Captain: Chris Redhead
Main Wicketkeeper: Greg “The Wizard” Bullock
Key Players:
Andrew Winter has been the shining light for the Amigos this week. He leads his team in runs and wickets and has looked a match-winner when he’s been on song.
Junaid Khan has been steady in the tournament so far but can definitely ramp things up a notch. He would love to have a big Thursday and propel Amigos CC Ansião into Finals Friday.
Raghu Raghu is a useful batsman who has been their most economical bowler this week in Cartaxo with his little wobblers. If he can force key Rossio batsmen into mistakes, it is more likely they will be chasing a realistic target.
Team Preview for Rossio
Rossio CC sit fourth on net run rate with two wins and two losses. Their last match against Oeiras was a dramatic Golden Ball win after the scores were tied 93-93 at the end of regulation. A win against the Amigos should see the Rossio team through to the semi-finals.
Captain: Mohammad Siraj Nipo
Main Wicketkeeper: Arslan Naseem
Key Players:
Mohammad Siraj Nipo was their Golden Ball hero! The captain elected to bowl the crucial delivery himself and clean bowled the batsman to secure a crucial victory for Rossio, and a hat trick for himself! Nipo has been opening the batting but is yet to press on to a big score. With the ball he’s been dynamite, not only picking up wickets regularly but doing so in an economical fashion.
Azher Andani was dropped down the order to number six in the last match and responded with an important knock of 17 in the end which was critical to the eventual result. I feel he has found his home in the middle order.
Rahul Bhardwaj is Rossio’s leading wicket-taker, with six of them in the tournament including a best bowling of 3 for 8. He will hope look to pick up more victims in this game to put the Amigos behind the eight-ball.
Mr Maximo’s tip: ROSSIO
What a remarkable tournament we are seeing in Cartaxo. Last beat first in the final match of Wednesday, showing that truly anything is possible in Portugal! Amigos have fought bravely this week and had some bright spots, but I feel Rossio will be too strong and book a place in the semi-finals by winning the first match of Thursday’s ECS action. Join us on the European Cricket Network to get your T10 cricket fix!
