The European Cricket Network live broadcasts the 2020 European Cricket Series Iceland encounter between Reykjavík Vikings and Kópavogur Puffins.
Tune in to the live action Saturday from 12:30pm CEST * 11:30am UK * 10:30am GMT * 4pm IST from the Vídistadatún Cricket Ground in Reykjavík, Iceland.
Team Preview for Reykjavík Vikings
Reykjavík Vikings reigned supreme in 2019, but their egos would be bruised after losing the ÍPL final to the Puffins a week ago. The ECS is their opportunity to get some revenge, and they have an opportunity to gain the advantage in the tournament opener.
Captain: Lakmal Bandara
Main Wicketkeeper: Brendon Fernando
Key Players:
Lakmal Bandara is a key all-rounder and a massive hitter if he gets his eye in. He also bowls some handy medium pace.
Brendon Fernando is a very skilful wicketkeeper and I was impressed with his work in the ÍPL final. He will also look to contribute some runs in the middle order.
Derick Deonarain is a stalwart of the Icelandic game who is likely to open the batting for his side. He must adapt quickly to the short format and not waste too many balls getting his eye in!
Prabhath Weerasooriya is a crafty leg-spinning option. He has many variations including finger spin as a change-up. Can he spin a web around the Puffin batsmen?
Team Preview for Kópavogur Puffins
Kópavogur Puffins are the form team in the country at the moment. It will be very interesting to see if they can hold their composure in the European Cricket Series, where the games are half as long and move at a breakneck speed.
Captain: Abhishek Chauhan
Main Wicketkeeper: Sebastiaan Dreyer
Key Players:
Dushan Bandara is a powerful left-hander, coming off 95 in the ÍPL final. He’s a man in form – but can he carry it on in the ECS? He is the other half of a very fascinating ‘Battle of the Bandara Bros’.
Olafur Briem is a native-born Icelandic cricketer. It’s wonderful to see some native Europeans playing in the ECS and I can’t wait to see what he can do out in the middle. Some say he is the Pavel Florin of Iceland!
Keenan Botha is a key all-rounder for the Puffins. He normally bats in the middle-order but I would love to see him up in the top three in this shorter format. A strong left-hander, he has shown he can clear the trees.
David Cook is a left-arm orthodox spin bowler who really likes to give the ball some flight. With the bat he is normally cautious but he showed some attacking flair last week, going over the top of the infield when the field was up.
_____
Mr Maximo’s tip: Kópavogur Puffins
These two teams join the Hafnarfjördur Hammers for the European Cricket Series Iceland, and I can’t wait to see three evenly matched teams battle it out for the trophy at the world’s most northernmost cricket ground! This first match promises to be a beauty. Their numerous previous meetings have been split evenly so it’s very hard to call, but I think the recent form of Kópavogur could get them across the line in the tournament opener. They will meet each other twice this weekend (and possibly three times if they meet in the final), and I wouldn’t be surprised if both teams beat the other at some stage of the tournament.
