The European Cricket Network live broadcasts the 2020 European Cricket Series Estonia encounter between Tallinn Hippos and Tallinn Rising Stars.
Tune in to the live action Saturday from 8:30am CEST * 7:30am UK * 6:30am GMT * 12pm IST from the Estonian National Cricket & Rugby Ground in Tallinn, Estonia.
Team Preview for Tallinn Hippos
Tallinn Hippos have had a reasonably good start to the season in domestic short-form cricket, with a 5-3 record to sit third on the standings. The possess a blend of experience and youth, including some exciting home-grown talent.
Captain: Tim Heath
Main Wicketkeeper: Marko Vaik
Key Players:
Stuart Hook is MR MUSCLES! He is Estonia’s leading six-hitter and is coming off a century and a ninety in the past couple of weeks. I think he’s going to relish the shorter boundaries on offer in the European Cricket Series this weekend, so watch out for him at the top of the order.
Marko Vaik is Estonian born and bred. Vaik has captained his country and carries a lot of responsibility for the Hippos, batting at number three and wicketkeeping as well as being named vice-captain for the series.
Tim Filer has experience coaching the national side and is considered to be one of the top batsmen in the country. He can bat at a supersonic speed when in form but has been a little out of touch lately. The ECS is a great opportunity for him to show what he can do on the big stage.
Kalle Vislapuu is another native-born Estonian, so it’s fantastic to see him turn out for the Hippos. He is an opening bowler who can provide some quick runs down the order if called upon with the bat.
Team Preview for Tallinn Rising Stars
The Tallinn Rising Stars sit mid-table in the domestic T20 competition with a 3-4 record. They do look dangerous in the T10 format though, boasting a number of powerful all-rounders.
Captain: Muhammad Shoaib
Main Wicketkeeper: Md Riaz
Key Players:
Muhammad Shoaib will lead the side and look to lead the charge from the top of the order. He is proficient all around the ground so can be very difficult to bowl to. Also a very useful off-spin bowler, expect to see him feature with the ball also.
Shebin Al-Din will bat in the top order as well as provide some quality leg spin for his captain. He really gives the ball a rip, so I look forward to seeing him bowl this weekend in Estonia.
Miraz Mahabubul will likely open the bowling, and is also a big hitting batsman who could be send in as a pinch hitter if the situation dictates.
Mamun Mannan will provide another bowling option for Shoaib. He must look to keep things tight and stop the Hippos from gaining any momentum in the middle overs.
Mr Maximo’s tip: TALLINN HIPPOS
It promises to be a very interesting weekend in Estonia, with six competitive teams battling it out to be champions of the European Cricket Series Tallinn. This game could go either way, with the Rising Stars having several talented players suited to the T10 format who could easily take the game away from the Hippos single-handedly. However, I’ve decided to back the Hippos to win the tournament opener. I think they have the necessary blend of experience and big-hitting power to have the advantage in this match. Wherever you are in the world, fasten your seatbelt for a great weekend of cricket on the European Cricket Network!
