The European Cricket Network live broadcasts the 2020 European Cricket Series Dresden semi-final encounter between BSV Britannia and USG Chemnitz.
Tune in to the live action Friday from 10am CEST * 9am UK * 8am GMT * 1:30pm IST from the Ostrapark ground in Dresden.
Team Preview for BSV Britannia
BSV Britannia have had a ruthless schedule, playing four games on Wednesday and backing up with another four on Thursday. This fatigue caused some lapses in concentration and form late in their preliminary campaign; the question is which BSV Britannia will turn up on Finals Friday?
Captain: Rohit Singh
Main Wicketkeeper: Mohit Negi
Key Players:
Rohit Singh has been BSV Britannia’s leader and all-round player since they entered the tournament on Wednesday. He did show some signs of fatigue and his form dropped off at times on Thursday, but I think he has one or two big games left in him and believe he will deliver when it counts.
Sanish Goyal got tongues wagging on Wednesday with his remarkable match-winning five-wicket haul but it was hit batting talents that came to the fore in the second half of their campaign.
Waqas Virk can’t seem to buy a run but he is bowling and fielding really well. He would love to make a big score on Finals Friday to show what he is capable of with the bat in hand.
Vijay Lakshmanan finally seemed to be getting the hang of T10 cricket towards the end of their final preliminary matches. I’d love to see him open and go hard in the powerplay because this team has plenty of batting depth. He also seems to make more runs when relieved of the keeping duties so I’d leave Mohit Negi to take the gloves.
Team Preview for USG Chemnitz
USG Chemnitz may have only won three of their eight round robin matches, but like the other teams on Finals Friday, they are only two matches away from holding up the trophy. USG Chemnitz upset BSV Britannia last time they played, so if they can repeat that performance they will find themselves in the final!
Captain: Rajesh Nagaraja
Main Wicketkeeper: Sandeep Shivalingegowda
Key Players:
Abdul Basir is his team’s leading six-hitter with 11 this week. He also provides a solid bowling option for his captain. I’d like to see him produce under the bright lights of Finals Friday.
Rajesh Nagaraja has been a solid all-round contributor for his side in Dresden and has shown leadership in the way he has managed his players and sought to all give them an opportunity to perform. He will hope to turn in a captain’s performance in this huge match.
Sahith Reddy is quite a good bowler, with a very whippy action and he’s normally pretty accurate. He’ll have to be at the top of his game if he is to keep Britannia from getting away with the bat.
Gopinath Manoharan has been USG Chemnitz’s most prolific batsman this week, scoring 138 runs at a strike rate of 124 and including seven maximos. He carried much of the responsibility to get his team to a defendable score.
Mr Maximo’s tip: BSV BRITANNIA
As predicted, BSV were looking a little weary as Thursday rolled on. However, I think they can dig deep and find a match-winning performance in this semi-final against USG Chemnitz. Having said that, their arduous schedule presents a great opportunity for USG Chemnitz to force an upset and steal a place in the final. At the end of the day, I favour BSV Britannia to win this match narrowly.
