MATCH 20 (ECS21.551) BUCHAREST GLADIATORS (BUG) v CLUJ (CLJ) 1200 GMT | 1400 CET | 1730 IST
BUG Last Five Matches: L L W L W (Avg Score For 101, Avg Score Against 124)
CLJ Last Five Matches: W W W L W (Avg Score For 144, Avg Score Against 112)
Captain: Cosmin Zăvoiu
Wicketkeeper: Sharat Kishore
Projected Top Four: Moiz Muhammad, Shalitha Prabath, Imran Haider, Patras Masih
Projected Opening Bowlers: Moiz Muhammad, Patras Masih
Spin Options: Pavel Florin, Cosmin Zăvoiu, Esanka Rumesh Priyadharshana, Regan Francis
BUCHAREST GLADIATORS Key Players:
Moiz Muhammad, played for United last term, he is one of the most electrifying opening batsman in Romania, was top scorer for UNI hammering 170 runs at a staggering strike rate of 274! The big hitting opener will be key for debutants BUG. Mustered 194 runs in SIX games at a SR of 243 including an 16-ball 45 against leaders ACCB. Has picked up four wickets as well.
Pavel Florin, the Romanian superstar has the third best strike rate in international cricket for bowlers with at least 10 wickets, picking up 13 wickets in 19.3 overs. He was also the leading wicket taker for Romania in the recently concluded Sofia Twenty20 picking up seven wickets. His economy rate has not been frugal, but he has picked up SEVEN wickets in six games, leading the wickets column for his side.
Manmeet Koli, the all-rounder has picked up FIVE wickets and is the second highest scorer for BUG mustering 79 runs.
Mihai Achim, the youngster has been mightily impressive with the ball picking up FIVE wickets with a best return of 2-5 against BAN.
Patras Masih, a classy right handed middle order batsman, loves playing through the covers, is a fine pacer with a natural ability to swing the ball. Scored 73 runs at a SR of 178 and picked up three wickets as well.
Captain: Rajendra Pisal
Wicketkeeper: Satwik Nadigotla
Projected Top Four: Taranjeet Singh, Satwik Nadigotla, Sivakumar Periyalwar, Vasu Saini
Projected Opening Bowlers: Gaurav Mishra, Nishant Devre
Spin Options: Sukhkaran Sahi, Taranjeet Singh
CLUJ Key Players:
Taranjeet Singh, all-time leading run scorer for CLJ, plundered 181 runs at a strike rate of 307 last term. He mustered 22 sixes - the second most in the tournament. Led the wickets column for CLJ with SIX wickets. Mustered 315 runs in six games at an SR of 297 and picked up FIVE wickets as well. Scored 99 off just 27 balls vs ACCB in the last game. Has smashed 39 sixes - the most in the tournament.
Vasu Saini, current member of the national team, racked up 105 runs in four innings last term at an average of 105 and strike rate of 178. The all-rounder also scalped SIX wickets and scored 49 runs this time around.
Sivakumar Periyalwar, another current member of the national team, endured an ordinary campaign last season scoring 62 runs in four matches. The right-hander has plundered 102 runs in four innings at an SR of 262.
Satwik Nadigotla, the wicket-keeper batsman is making his ECS debut for Cluj, also part of the national squad and featured at ECL19 scoring 43 runs. Has scored 112 runs in five innings and bagged a man of the match award.
Depending on Baneasa’s fortunes, BUG may already have secured qualification for Finals Day. However, if Baneasa bag a victory earlier in the day, BUG may need some points against table-topping Cluj. Another interesting side story, Romania star Pavel Florin pits his wits against his former club where he rose to worldwide fame at ECL19.
Match Prediction: Cluj (CLJ) to win at a canter and top the standings.
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