Croatia vs Cyprus T20I Match Preview – August 7, 2025 | 08:00 GMT

The ECN T20I series between Croatia and Cyprus kicks off with a high-stakes opener at the Mladost Cricket Ground in Zagreb. The match, scheduled for 08:00 GMT, promises to be an exciting contest between two emerging Associate teams with growing ambitions in international cricket.

Match Overview

Teams: Croatia vs Cyprus
Venue: Mladost Cricket Ground, Zagreb
Date & Time: Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 08:00 GMT
Format: T20I
Series: ECN CroatiaCyprus T20I 2025

Squad Breakdown

Croatia (14 Players):

• Alen Magdalenic
• Alfred Beresford-Peirse
• Anthony Razmilic
• Charles Bevin
• Hariprasad Sathedeevi
• Harry Beresford-Peirse
• John Vujnovich
• Kresimir Kekez
• Nikola Davidovic
• Oliver Tilley
• Saghar Manzoor
• Sam Houghton
• Scott Bevin
• Zach Vukusic

Cyprus (13 Players):

• Adam Senn
• Alexander Senn
• Aminul Islam
• Hardeep Singh
• Kamal Raiz
• Lovedeep Singh
• Mangala Gunasekara
• Roman Mazumder
• Roshan Siriwardena
• Sachithra Tharanga
• Scott Austin
• Scott Burdekin
• Waqar Ali

Key Players to Watch

Croatia:

• Saghar Manzoor (Batsman): A left-handed opener with a knack for anchoring the innings and accelerating when needed.
• Hariprasad Sathedeevi (All-rounder): A consistent performer with the bat and ball, capable of turning the game with his all-round contributions.

Cyprus:

• Roman Mazumder (Batsman): A dynamic middle-order hitter with explosive stroke play, expected to be a major threat in the powerplay and death overs.
• Mangala Gunasekara (Batsman): A calm and composed player with a solid technique, likely to form a key partnership in the middle.
• Roshan Siriwardena (Bowler): A wicket-taking specialist with a tight line and ability to swing the ball, posing a serious threat in the death overs.
• Waqar Ali (Bowler): A left-arm seamer with sharp line and length, expected to trouble the batters with his accuracy and pace.

Match Predictions

Toss Prediction: Cyprus
Winner Prediction: Cyprus
Top Batter (Runs): Roman Mazumder (Cyprus), Saghar Manzoor (Croatia)
Top Bowler (Wickets): Roshan Siriwardena (Cyprus), Hariprasad Sathedeevi (Croatia)
Most Sixes: Roman Mazumder (Cyprus), Saghar Manzoor (Croatia)
Player of the Match: Roman Mazumder (Cyprus)
Team Scores (Batting First): Cyprus 155+, Croatia 140+

Tactical Insights

Croatia, with their balanced squad and home advantage, will aim to dominate the early stages of the series. The hosts have a strong batting line-up and a mix of pace and spin, which could prove vital against a relatively inexperienced Cyprus side.

However, Cyprus has been in good form in recent T20I encounters, with Roman Mazumder and Mangala Gunasekara offering a potent middle-order threat. Their bowling unit, led by Roshan Siriwardena and Waqar Ali, is capable of breaking crucial partnerships and stifling runs.

The toss could be a pivotal moment in this match, especially if the weather remains clear and the pitch remains true. A win for Cyprus could set the tone for the series, while a Croatian victory would give them the psychological edge going into the second match later the same day.

Conclusion

The first T20I of the ECN CroatiaCyprus 2025 series is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have the firepower and depth to take the game deep into the final overs. With key players in form and the venue favoring aggressive play, fans can expect a high-scoring and competitive match.

Final Word:
Cyprus is favored to win the toss and the match, but Croatia will be looking to make a strong statement on home soil. This could be a close-fought thriller with the result hinging on key partnerships and tight bowling.

Stay tuned for live updates and in-play analysis as the series gets underway!
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