PREVIEW: MATCH 5 – Amigos Ansião v Oeiras – European Cricket Series Cartaxo

Tune in to the live action Tuesday 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 are only team of the six in Cartaxo who are yet to play in the series. The first ever European Cricket Series centurion Eddie Ballard is in the Amigos’ squad but unfortunately is unable to participate this week due to COVID quarantine requirements. The Amigos team features the oldest player to feature in an ECS, Andrew Dudfield, who makes his debut at the age of 61.

Captain: Chris Redhead

Main Wicketkeeper: Greg Bullock

Key Players:

Junaid Khan is Amigos’ most dangerous player in my opinion. He has stepped up his training programme for this tournament and looks in great shape. He will open the batting and bowling for his team and will look to lead the Amigos’ charge.

John Zinkus will bat in the number three position and is also a useful swing bowler. On the artificial surface, the ability to move the ball in the air is a very handy skill.

Hemant Khoba will bat in the middle order and is probably their fastest bowler, although he is virtually untested at this level. It will be interesting to see at what stage they choose to throw him the ball.

Team Preview for Oeiras

Oeiras CC won their first game over the previously fancies Alvalade side 134-110 on Day 1. Their top order performed on that occasion but we are yet to see if they have the depth to rescue the innings if they lose early wickets.

Captain: Jiteshkumar Balkrisna

Main Wicketkeeper: Kuldeep Gholiya

Key Players:

Conrad Greenshields blasted his team to a winning total in their first ECS appearance. His innings of 77 not out off 31 balls included seven maximos in an impressive display of power hitting. He was expensive with the ball and that is an area he would like to improve on in this match.

Kuldeep Gholiya opened the batting with Greenshields and was aggressive early. His innings of 46 off only 21 balls set the scene and it’s obvious that the Amigos will want to see the back of him early.

Paulo Buccimazza was a real weapon with his left arm spin, snaring astonishing figures of 4 for 3 off his two overs against Alvalade. Whether he can repeat those kinds of heroics remains to be seen but I’m sure his confidence will be at an all-time high.

Mr Maximo’s tip: OEIRAS

We saw on Day 1 that not all teams adapt immediately to the unique format and conditions present in the European Cricket Series. I think that Oeiras will be confident after their first up win, while Amigos Ansião would take some time to find their feet. For that reason, I expect Oeiras to be victorious in the first match of four on Tuesday. Join us live for all the action on the European Cricket Network.