MATCH 5 (ECS21.512) BSCU - MU PLOVDIV (PLO) v ACADEMIC - MU SOFIA (MUS) 0600 GMT | 0800 CET | 1130 IST
PLO Last Five Matches: L W W L NR (Avg Score For 144, Avg Score Against 117)
MUS Last Five Matches: W L W L L (Avg Score For 117, Avg Score Against 109)
Captain: Saim Hussain
Wicketkeeper: Saim Hussain
Projected Top Four: Saim Hussain, Sulaiman Ali, Ali Hussain, Aamir Nakhuda
Projected Opening Bowlers: Parth Acharya, Sulaiman Ali
Spin Options: Adithya Patnam
BSCU - MU PLOVDIV Key Players:
Saim Hussain, second leading run scorer last term with 376 runs and a best of 102*, averaging over 53 at a strike rate of 204+. Also hit 60 fours, easily the most in the tournament. Started off with a bang scoring an unbeaten 67 off just 21 balls.
Sulaiman Ali, man of the match in the final with the trophy on the line hammering an unbeaten 98 off just 33 balls, scored exactly 300 runs in the tournament and picked up FIVE wickets with the ball as well.
Ali Hussain, all-rounder, technically sound, consistently delivers good performances with bat and ball. Returned impressive figures of 2-13 vs BAR in the opener.
Parth Acharya, will take the new cherry for PLO, has good pace and gets plenty of lateral movement, could be the find of the season.
Captain: Ishan De Silva
Wicketkeeper: Omar Rasool
Projected Top Four: Omar Rasool, Ishan De Silva, Firas Hussain, Kevin D’Souza
Projected Opening Bowlers: Huzaif Yousuf, Ali Rasool
Spin Options: Firas Hussain
ACADEMIC - MU SOFIA Key Players:
Ishan De Silva, leading run scorer for MU-Sofia in the 2020 season - 546 runs! Scored his maiden International T20 century for the Bulgaria vs Serbia - 100* which is the 11th highest ever by a number 3 batsman.
Kevin D’Souzacaught the eye last season with an impressive knock of 67 off 20 balls vs Indo-Bulgarian CC to win the game. Amassed a total of 198 runs at a strike rate of 257! He is the best power hitter in the MUS side. Almost took his side to victory with a rapid unbeaten 64 in the opening match.
Albin Jacob, another Bulgarian international looking to make an impact, especially with the ball, is termed as “death bowler” by his teammates for his ability to keep the batsmen guessing with his variations. Picked up NINE wickets last summer with a best return of 4-11.
Omar Rasoolhas played cricket in the Leinster Senior Division 1 in Ireland. Has the ability to rotate the strike and can clear the ropes when needed. If not wicketkeeping, can also bowl leg spin.
Ashbel Nicson, a very skilled left handed batsman, represented Yorkshire from U12s-15s. Has the ability to score runs under pressure. Scalped 2-17 in the second game.
Nikhil Oliviera nailed the most boundaries (28) for his side last term, scored 204 runs in eight innings - second highest for MUS.
MUS face a tough task, seeking their first win of the campaign against the reigning champions. No doubt, MUS will still be rueing their narrow defeat to INB in the opening game of the tournament, despite Kevin D’Souza’s brilliant innings of 64* off 23 balls. Plovdiv and Saim Hussain, in particular, started with intent, before being denied by the rain in Match 4. A fierce rivalry exists between these two evenly matched Medical Universities and this double-header could go either way.
Last time they met: PLO 148 def MUS 110 (11 Sep 2020)
Match Prediction: BSCU - MU Plovdiv to edge a naroow win.
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