The European Cricket Network live broadcasts the 2020 European Cricket Series Gothenburg encounter between Älmhult CC and Linköping CC.
Tune in to the live action Thursday from 9am CEST * 8am UK * 7am GMT * 12:30pm IST from the Kviberg ground in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Team Preview for Älmhult CC
Älmhult came up empty-handed in their first three matches on Monday, and it’s fair to say that shouldn’t have been the case. With some fresh players coming into the team for their final three round robin contests on Thursday, this represents a do or die clash if they want to feature in Finals Friday.
Captain: Imran Sabawoon
Main Wicketkeeper: Dinesh Adhikari
Key Players:
Asif Meer is a bowler by trade, but was actually their best performing batsman on Monday. He scored 76 runs with a high score of 48, and also snared two wickets.
Sardar Sahak did not show his true potential in Älmhult’s opening matches, with only 17 runs in three innings. I expect him to make a big score or two on Thursday, and this must-win opening match seems like the perfect opportunity.
Shakil Arshad comes into the side at the perfect moment to make an impact. Can his addition save the Älmhult campaign?
Team Preview for Linköping CC
Linköping pulled off three victories in their first three appearances in the tournament on Wednesday. They have the opportunity to top the table if they maintain their perfect record, but they have a dominant Seaside waiting for them in a mouth-watering last match of the day so that will be a very big challenge.
Captain: Ankit Naik
Main Wicketkeeper: Bhushan Patil
Key Players:
Muhammad Musab is a very effective bowler with his ‘doorknob’ spinners. He picked up three wickets with his accurate deliveries on their first day of action, and I expect him to pick up more on Thursday.
Bhushan Patil was the hero of their victory against Kristianstad, bringing the match home with an unbeaten 23 off 9 deliveries. He brought up the victory with a dramatic maximo in the final over, but can he reproduce the magic the morning after?
Muhammad Moeez is an all-rounder who pulled off the catch of the tournament against Hisingen, a stunning one-handed grab just inside the boundary. I’m looking forward to seeing if he has more magic moments in store.
Mr Maximo’s tip: ÄLMHULTCC
A team without a win against a team that hasn’t lost. Must be an easy one to pick for Mr Maximo, right? WRONG! I might have lost my marbles but I feel like this is a must-win for Älmhult while Linköping could easily take their eye off the ball in the first match of the morning after a long and gruelling day on Wednesday. When I was playing, we used to call this kind of match a ‘banana peel game’. Älmhult are the banana peel and I think Linköping will slip on it, before recovering in their second match. Älmhult CC to pull off the upset of the week in the first of six Thursday matches!
