The European Cricket Network live broadcasts the 2020 European Cricket Series Gothenburg semi-final encounter between Seaside CC and Linköping CC.

PREVIEW: MATCH 22 (SEMI-FINAL 1) – Seaside CC vs Linköping CC – European Cricket Series Gothenburg

Tune in to the live action Friday from 10am CEST * 9am UK * 8am GMT * 1:30pm IST from the Kviberg ground in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Team Preview for Seaside CC

Seaside are yet to lose in their six matches so far, their only close call coming in a thrilling Golden Ball victory against Jönköping on Tuesday morning.  But as we’ve seen before in the European Cricket Series, anything can happen on Finals Friday!

Captain: Umair Chaudary

Main Wicketkeeper: Ammar Zafar

Key Players:

Zahoor Sabir is a smart cricketer and I feel like he is the kind of player who can rise to the big occasion.  He can contribute to the team in a number of ways and possesses the poise to handle the pressure.

Mokhtar Ghulami is their leading run scorer and has been an economical bowler when used.  He is known to ECS fans as “THE BEAST” and hopefully shows why with some big hitting on Finals Friday.

Rubal Pathak has played international cricket and looks good at the crease. He hasn’t had as many opportunities with the bat as he may of liked, but I think he can be a factor in the finals.

Usman Sarwar is a reliable bowler and strong lower-order hitter.  Batting so deep gives Seaside the confidence to keep swinging the willow throughout their innings.

Team Preview for Linköping CC

It was back to Earth for Linköping on Thursday, as they added three losses to the three wins they achieved on Wednesday.  Despite owning a lacklustre 3-3 record and scraping into the final four, they do have several very talented players who will relish the opportunity to be two games away from the championship.

Captain: Ankit Naik

Main Wicketkeeper: Bhushan Patil

Key Players:

Aamir Mushtaq has come into the team at just the right time.  I think his leg spin bowling could trouble the Seaside batsmen.  If Linköping are going to tame this strong Seaside batting lineup, they’ll need to have variety in their attack.

Puneeth Ballakuraya has been a very valuable player this week.  He will hope his form continues into the finals.

Muhammad Musab has quite a following.  His bushy-bearded doorknob-spinners have been very useful for Linköping this week.

Bhushan Patil would have been desperate to get a bat in their last game, as the required run rate crept away from them.  Linköping need to get him to the crease at key times by whatever means necessary as he has the ability to score at a lightning fast rate.

Mr Maximo’s tip: SEASIDECC

With this rematch only about 14 hours after they last played, it will come around quickly.  Seaside were too strong last night, despite resting several key players.  We’ve seen fourth upset the top of the table team more than once already in the ECS, but I can’t see it happening this week.  Seaside have too much firepower, and so I see them brushing past Linköping and then claiming the trophy on Friday evening in the European Cricket Series Gothenburg.