The European Cricket Network live broadcasts the 2020 European Cricket Series Prague encounter between Prague CC and United CC.
Tune in to the live action Thursday from 9am CEST * 8am UK * 7am GMT * 12:30pm IST from Scott Page Field in the Czech Republic.
Team Preview for Prague CC
Prague CC are currently sitting third but with a game in hand will jump to the top of the table if they are able to win this final preliminary match. With this week’s finals format, the top two teams get the double chance so PCC will no doubt be desperate for the victory they require in this match.
Captain: Sudesh Wickramasekara
Main Wicketkeeper: Hilal Ahmad
Key Players:
Sudesh Wickramasekara is “THE BEAST”. The joint T20 international record holder for fastest century has performed well this week, scoring his runs at a strike rate of 181 which is the fastest of any batsman this week in Prague. He can also bowl a heavy ball and could be the difference between these sides.
Sharan Ramakrishnan will open the batting and has chipped in with the ball, providing a useful extra bowling option for his captain so far in the series.
Prakash Sadasivan comes into the lineup. He has not played in the tournament so far but is a very experienced cricketer in the Czech Republic and took three wickets back on Week 1 of the ECN Czech Super Series.
Keyur Mehta has only bowled one over in the tournament so far but I expect him to get the ball in this game. He was the only PCC King to take a five-wicket haul in the Czech domestic T20 series this year.
Team Preview for United CC
United CC are winless in this series but do have a point from their washout against Prague Spartans, which, with their superior net run rate sees them clinging onto fourth place in the standings. To make the finals, United will have to win this match, or avoid losing by enough for their net run rate to dip below the Spartans.
Captain: Pramod Bagauly
Main Wicketkeeper: Abhimanyu Singh
Key Players:
Abhimanyu Singh will keep and open the batting for United. He’s consistently their best performer with the bat and does a tidy job behind the stumps. If they are to do enough to make the final four then he has to get United on their way to a decent total.
Pramod Bagauly captains the side. He will bat in the top order and can be expected to bowl his two overs.
Neelesh Pandit is one of United’s “go-to” players. He can have an impact with bat and ball and will want to lift in this match with the final four beckoning.
Santhosh Reddy-Bemmireddy has had a good week so far. He has picked up two wickets at the very respectable economy rate of 7.25 runs per over.
Mr Maximo’s tip: PRAGUE CC
Prague CC deservedly start favourites for this match and seem to be improving as the week rolls on in the Czech Republic. United CC have performed admirably this week for a team from the second division and the close contests they forced are a sign that Czech cricket is in good shape. In the end, unless Prague CC get out of bed the wrong way, I expect them to win this match and go to the top of the standings. This game starts one hour earlier than the other days this week, so make sure you tune in on the European Cricket Network for all the action!
