ECN Norway T20I, 2025: Norway (NOR) vs Sweden (SWE) – Match 1 Preview

Event: ECN Norway T20I, 2025
Match: Norway (NOR) vs Sweden (SWE), Single Group Match Day 1, Match 1
Date: 17 August 2025
Start Time: 09:15 Local Time | 11:45 IST
Venue: Stubberudmyra Cricket Ground
Format: T20
Match Type: Group Match
Toss: Sweden won the toss and elected to bat

Spotlight on the Stars: Who Will Shine Brightest?

As the ECN Norway T20I, 2025 kicks off, all eyes are on the opening clash between hosts Norway and a determined Sweden. With both teams boasting a blend of experience and explosive talent, this promises to be a high-octane start to the tournament.

Predicted Standouts

Most Sixes:
Ajay Mundra (SWE) and Awais Ahmad (SWE) both average 2 sixes per match, making them the leading contenders to clear the ropes most frequently.
Most Runs:
Awais Ahmad (SWE) leads with a career average of 26 runs per match, closely followed by Faisal Raza (NOR) at 19.
Most Wickets:
Advait Dhabe (SWE) stands out with a career average of 1 wicket per match, the highest among all bowlers in this fixture.
Match MVP:
Awais Ahmad (SWE) boasts the highest average fantasy points per match (70), making them the top candidate for the MVP award.

Team Introductions & Key Stats

Norway (NOR)

Team Colours: Dark Blue (Primary), Red (Secondary)
Matches Played: 60
Matches Won: 35
Win Percentage: 58.3%
Strongest Player (Avg. Fantasy Points/Match): Faisal Raza (51)
Most Sixes (Batter): Faisal Raza (40)
Most Wickets (Bowler): Qamar Mushtaque (Career best: 4 wickets in a match)

Sweden (SWE)

Team Colours: Dark Blue (Primary), Yellow (Secondary)
Matches Played: 64
Matches Won: 33
Win Percentage: 51.6%
Strongest Player (Avg. Fantasy Points/Match): Awais Ahmad (70)
Most Sixes (Batter): Saeed Ahmed (156)
Most Wickets (Bowler): Advait Dhabe (Career best: 3 wickets in a match)

Player Highlights

Norway (NOR)

Faisal Raza – Batsman

With 758 career fantasy points and an average of 51 per match, Faisal Raza is Norway’s most consistent performer. His ability to clear the boundary (40 sixes in 15 matches) and a top score of 93 make him a genuine match-winner. Notably, he has 2 Player of the Match awards, reflecting his knack for delivering under pressure.

Walid Ghauri – Batsman

A seasoned campaigner with 36 matches, Ghauri has amassed 1,829 fantasy points (51 per match). His 65 sixes and 4 fifties highlight his aggressive intent, while 5 Player of the Match awards underscore his impact. Ghauri’s fielding is also a plus, with 26 catches to his name.

Khizer Ahmad – Wicket-Keeper (Captain)

Khizer Ahmad brings all-round value with 1,654 fantasy points (46 per match). With 67 sixes, 4 fifties, and a century, he is a reliable middle-order batter. His 13 catches and 4 stumpings add to his credentials as a top wicket-keeper.

Qamar Mushtaque – Bowler

Mushtaque is Norway’s leading wicket-taker, with a best of 4 wickets in a match and 671 bowling fantasy points. His average of 28 bowling fantasy points per match makes him a key figure in Norway’s bowling attack.

Sweden (SWE)

Awais Ahmad – Batsman

The most explosive player in this fixture, Ahmad averages 70 fantasy points per match, with 24 sixes in just 10 matches. His top score of 70 and two fifties make him a constant threat at the top of the order.

Ajay Mundra – Wicket-Keeper

Mundra’s 64 average fantasy points per match and 55 sixes in 21 matches highlight his dual threat as a batter and keeper. With a century and a fifty, he is capable of anchoring or accelerating as needed.

Saeed Ahmed – All-Rounder

With 4,435 career fantasy points (50 per match), Ahmed is Sweden’s most experienced campaigner. His 156 sixes and 8 fifties make him a powerhouse, while 11 Player of the Match awards show his match-winning pedigree.

Advait Dhabe – Bowler

Dhabe is Sweden’s strike bowler, with 17 matches and 756 fantasy points (44 per match). His best bowling figures of 3 wickets in a match and a high of 94 fantasy points in a single game make him a player to watch.

Key Player Matchups: Head-to-Head

Faisal Raza (NOR) vs Advait Dhabe (SWE):
Raza’s aggressive batting (2 sixes per match, 19 runs per match) will be tested by Dhabe’s wicket-taking ability (1 wicket per match, 39 bowling fantasy points per match).
Awais Ahmad (SWE) vs Qamar Mushtaque (NOR):
Ahmad’s explosive starts (26 runs per match, 2 sixes per match) will face Mushtaque’s disciplined bowling (28 bowling fantasy points per match, best of 4 wickets).
Saeed Ahmed (SWE) vs Wahidullah Sahak (NOR):
Both all-rounders, Ahmed’s 156 sixes and 15 runs per match pit him against Sahak’s 34 sixes and 11 runs per match, with both contributing with the ball and in the field.

Captain & Vice-Captain Recommendations

Safe Picks

Awais Ahmad (SWE): Highest average fantasy points per match (70), consistent run-scorer, and six-hitter.
Faisal Raza (NOR): Norway’s most reliable batter and fantasy performer.

Bold Picks

Saeed Ahmed (SWE): Proven match-winner with 11 Player of the Match awards and all-round skills.
Walid Ghauri (NOR): High-impact player with a history of big scores and fielding contributions.

Insights & Key Matchups

Boundary Battle: With big hitters like Awais Ahmad, Ajay Mundra, and Faisal Raza, expect plenty of sixes at Stubberudmyra.
Bowling Deciders: Advait Dhabe and Qamar Mushtaque will be crucial in breaking partnerships and controlling the run flow.
All-Round Impact: Saeed Ahmed and Wahidullah Sahak can change the game with both bat and ball, making them potential game-changers.
Fielding Factor: Players like Khizer Ahmad and Ajay Mundra, with their wicket-keeping and fielding prowess, could swing momentum with key dismissals.

Final Word

The opening match of the ECN Norway T20I, 2025 promises fireworks as Norway and Sweden bring their best to the field. With power-hitters, crafty bowlers, and dynamic all-rounders on both sides, expect a contest that sets the tone for the tournament. Whether you’re a fantasy cricket enthusiast or a passionate supporter, this is a match not to be missed!

Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis on the official event website.