- June 9, 2025
CZK-R vs AUT (Match – 01) – Highlights
Vinor, June 8, 2025 — Austria delivered a commanding performance in the opening match of the Central Europe Cup 2025, annihilating hosts the Czech Republic by 10 wickets at Vinor with 50 balls to spare. Led by the sensational Bilal Zalmai, who impressed with both bat and ball, Austria announced their campaign with dominance and clarity.
Opting to bowl first, Austria’s bowlers displayed precision and control, limiting the Czech Republic to a below-par 113 in just 18.4 overs. The star of the innings was undoubtedly Bilal Zalmai, who returned with outstanding figures of 4 for 14 in his four overs, ripping through the middle and lower order with subtle variations and tight lines. He was ably supported by Sahel Zadran, who scalped 3 for 10, including two key tail-end wickets that ensured the Czech innings never gained momentum. Captain Aqib Iqbal and Waqar Zalmai chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Despite a promising start by opener Rhuturaj Magare, who top-scored for the Czech side with a quick 31 off 27 deliveries, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Wickets fell in clusters, with the hosts collapsing from 63 for 2 to 77 for 8 in the space of just 4 overs. A late attempt at resistance came from wicketkeeper Sahil Grover, who remained unbeaten on 25, but his efforts were insufficient to push the total beyond respectability.
Chasing a modest target of 114, Austria made a mockery of the run chase. Karanbir Singh was ruthless at the top of the order, hammering an unbeaten 77 off just 38 balls, laced with 4 boundaries and 8 towering sixes, showcasing his clean striking and aggressive intent. His opening partner, Bilal Zalmai, capped off a perfect day with a composed 33 not out off 32 deliveries, guiding Austria home in just 11.4 overs at a blistering run rate of 10.02.
The Czech bowling attack was rendered ineffective, with all five bowlers conceding freely. No breakthroughs could be found as Austria’s openers remained untroubled throughout the innings. The Czech captain, Muralidhara Vandrasi, tried to stem the flow with spin but was taken for 35 runs in his three overs, further compounding his team’s woes.
For his match-winning all-round display, Bilal Zalmai was deservingly adjudged the Player of the Match, a testament to his impact on both innings. His performance set the tone for Austria’s campaign and firmly established him as a key figure for the remainder of the tournament.
With this emphatic victory, Austria not only secured two valuable points but also sent a strong message to other contenders. As for the Czech Republic, they will need to regroup quickly, address their middle-order frailties, and find answers with the ball if they are to bounce back in the matches to come.
Czech Republic vs Austria Scoreboard
Czech Republic – 113/10 (18.4)
Austria – 117/0 (11.4)
Result – Austria won by 10 wickets
Player of the match – Bilal Zalmai
Bilal Zalmai
CZK-R vs AUT Playing XIs
Czech Republic | Muralidhara Vandrasi (c), Sahil Grover (wk), Neeraj Mishra, Piyush Singh Baghel, Shubhranshu Chaudhary, Abul Farhad, Sazib Bhuiyan, Venkatesh Marghashayam, Rhuturaj Magare, Ritik Tomar, Sabawoon Davizi |
Austria | Aqib Iqbal (c), Amar Naeem (wk), Mohamad Waqar Zalmai, Bilal Zalmai, Umair Tariq, Baseer Khan, Hekmatullah Khogiyani, Karanbir Singh, Razmal Shigiwal, Hamid Safi, Sahel Zadran |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
Visit JeetBuzz News to access our Highlights that are just for you and reminisce about all of your favorite cricket nostalgia moments while being thrilled by our solid Cricket Highlights updates. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!
