- June 10, 2025
CZK-R vs AUT (Match – 04) – Highlights
In a thoroughly one-sided contest of the Central Europe Cup 2025, Austria registered a resounding 161-run victory over the Czech Republic on June 9 in Vinor. This fourth match of the tournament proved to be a showcase of Austria’s dominant batting prowess and clinical bowling attack, led decisively by the in-form Bilal Zalmai, who delivered a match-winning all-round performance, scoring a rapid-fire 68 off 32 balls and picking up 3 wickets for just 11 runs.
Austria’s innings was an exhibition of power-hitting and well-paced aggression. After a relatively steady start from Karanbir Singh (15 off 20), the real carnage began with Bilal Zalmai, who struck 7 fours and 5 sixes during his blistering knock. His 68 came at a phenomenal strike rate of 212.50 and laid a solid foundation for the middle-order to capitalize on.
The Czech bowlers were left struggling for answers as Aqib Iqbal, Austria’s captain, contributed 40 off 23 balls, ensuring the momentum never dropped. However, it was Razmal Shigiwal who took the innings to another level. Blasting 65* off just 22 balls with 7 sixes, Shigiwal’s assault in the death overs lifted Austria to a towering total of 224/5 in 20 overs.
Among the Czech bowlers, Sazib Bhuiyan was the only standout performer, claiming 4 wickets for 46 runs. His scalps included the dangerous Zalmai, Iqbal, and Baseer Khan, offering the only glimmer of hope in an otherwise dismal bowling effort.
Chasing a mammoth 225 was always going to be a monumental task, and the Czech Republic’s innings unravelled almost instantly. Within the first three overs, they were reduced to 9/3, courtesy of tight and aggressive bowling by Umair Tariq, who removed both Rhuturaj Magare and Sahil Grover cheaply.
Austria’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, and wickets fell at regular intervals. None of the Czech batters, barring Sazib Bhuiyan (19 off 12) and Muralidhara Vandrasi (17 off 23), showed any real resistance. Aqib Iqbal and Sahel Zadran contributed two wickets apiece, while Hekmatullah Khogiyani chipped in with one.
However, the pick of the bowlers was once again Bilal Zalmai, whose intelligent variations and control dismantled the Czech lower order. He claimed the final three wickets, sealing the win and earning the Player of the Match accolade.
Austria’s all-around performance was a testament to their depth and form heading deeper into the Central Europe Cup. Their dominance with both bat and ball left the Czech Republic reeling, managing only 63 all out in 13.2 overs, a stark contrast to the imposing total set by the Austrians.
This emphatic win significantly boosts Austria’s net run rate and sends a strong message to other contenders in the tournament. With players like Bilal Zalmai in red-hot form, Austria is shaping up as a serious threat for the title. In contrast, the Czech Republic will need to reassess their game plan, particularly their top-order stability and bowling strategy, if they are to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
Czech Republic vs Austria Scoreboard
Austria – 224/5 (20.0)
Czech Republic – 63/10 (13.2)
Result – Austria won by 161 runs
Player of the match – Bilal Zalmai
Bilal Zalmai
CZK-R vs AUT Playing XIs
Czech Republic | Muralidhara Vandrasi(c), Divyendra Singh(w), Neeraj Mishra, Ritik Tomar, Piyush Singh Baghel, Davidson Ramani, Sahil Grover, Rhuturaj Magare, Venkatesh Marghashayam, Sazib Bhuiyan, Abul Farhad |
Austria | Aqib Iqbal(c), Mehar Cheema(w), Baseer Khan, Hamid Safi, Mansoor Safi, Sahel Zadran, Razmal Shigiwal, Karanbir Singh, Bilal Zalmai, Umair Tariq, Hekmatullah Khogiyani |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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