ECS Portugal T10 has been one of Europe’s most exciting cricket tournaments. The league is one of the most electrifying cricket competitions, packed with high energy and thrill. It grew exponentially in popularity and now has fans worldwide. The tournament features a fast-paced T10 format, providing fans with fantastic cricket experiences.
It provided high-quality cricket action from March 24 to April 24, 2024. The outstanding performance helped the players to showcase their talents in a format where every over is a game changer.
What is ECS Portugal T10?
The European Cricket Series is excited to bring the joy of cricket to all parts of Europe in the T10 format. Each team has an innings of 10 overs, as the matches are short, quick, and will last only about 90 minutes, catering to modern-day sports fans.
Moreover, the league includes some of the best cricket talent in Europe, which is growing in popularity each season.
A Fast-Growing League
The first ECS Portugal T10 was held in 2021, where Malo Qalandars emerged as champions. Since then, the league has gained more attention, especially after introducing the Golden Ball rule.
This season, 12 teams participated across Portugal and competed for the title. Each match brought new challenges, and every game had the potential to flip in a matter of minutes.
Exciting Format and the Golden Ball Rule
The league follows the exciting T10 format, known for its fast-paced matches. One of the unique features of this tournament is the Golden Ball rule.
If a game ends in a tie, the chasing team gets one extra ball to score two or more runs to win. This rule makes matches even more intense, especially in close contests. In the 2024 season, fans witnessed this rule during the final game between Malo Qalandars and Gamblers SC.
The drama and suspense couldn’t have been higher as Malo won the championship using the Golden Ball. It was the most nerve-racking final ball you would ever see for a decider.
Highlights of ECS Portugal T10 2024
This season witnessed some unforgettable matches. Here’s a quick recap of the most exciting moments:
Malo Qalandars Win the Final
The grand finale saw Malo Qalandars facing off against Gamblers SC. It was a tight match that ended in a tie, with both teams scoring 146 runs. It all came down to the Golden Ball, where Amir Zaib, Malo’s star, hit a six on the final ball, securing his team’s title.
Record-Breaking Stats
Throughout the tournament, 17,294 runs were scored in 98 matches, and bowlers took 791 wickets. Batters made 1,200 fours and smashed 1,286 sixes.
Standout Players
Several players shone brightly during the tournament:
- Amir Zaib from Malo Qalandars was the tournament’s MVP, scoring 515 runs, including a century.
- Adnan Gondal, also from Malo, was the leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets.
- Shamsher Singh from Gamblers SC delivered an incredible final over in the championship, taking five wickets, including a hat-trick.
Teams and Their Performance
The ECS Portugal T10 featured 12 teams with star players and unique strengths. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key teams and their performances:
Malo Qalandars
- Captain: Amandeep Singh
- Star Player: Amir Zaib
- Performance: Malo continued their dominance, winning the title. Their batting lineup, led by Amir Zaib, was unstoppable throughout the tournament. With bowlers like Adnan Gondal, they were equally vital in the bowling department. Their ability to keep calm under pressure made them favorites from the start.
Gamblers SC
- Star Player: Shamsher Singh
- Performance: Gamblers SC had a fantastic run to the final. Their captain, Shamsher Singh, was exceptional, especially in the bowling department. Although they lost the final, their resilience and team spirit were evident in every game.
Oeiras CC
- Star Player: Pedro Madeira
- Performance: Oeiras CC dominated the early stages of the tournament, finishing at the top of their group. They made it to the Super Five but were knocked out before reaching the final. Their balanced team featured strong performers in both batting and bowling.
Punjab CC
- Star Player: Lovedeep Singh
- Performance: Punjab CC was consistent throughout the tournament, making it to the Super Five. Their captain, Lovedeep Singh, led with strong batting displays from the front. However, they fell short in the knockout stages.
Gorkha 11
- Star Player: Krishna Paudel
- Performance: Gorkha 11 had a mixed season, showing flashes of brilliance but struggling to maintain consistency. They provided tough competition to teams like Malo and Oeiras. Their unpredictable form made them one of the dark horses of the tournament.
ECS Portugal T10 is not just a tournament for Portugal, where cricket is still finding its roots. This tournament means a lot as it promotes the sport and attracts crowds.
The popularity of Cricket in Portugal
One of the advantages for Portugal is its growing attraction towards cricket. The sport has been more exposed due to ECS Portugal T10 being hosted in the country. This high-level tournament has crossed borders to bring fans from all over Europe.
Another factor that contributes to promoting cricket is broadcasting the matches on different platforms, such as YouTube and Social media.
The ECS Portugal T10 is not just a tournament; it’s a celebration of cricket in Portugal. The tournament brings attention to cricket in a country.
Creating Opportunities for Local Talent
With fans from across Europe and many others watching online. ECS Portugal T10 also provides a platform for local players to showcase their talent. Emerging cricketers like Amir Zaib and Shamsher Singh have gained international recognition through this tournament. This helps nurture young talent, encouraging more players to join the sport.
The league has a great future, and the event will grow with its increased popularity and number of fans. The 2023 season has shown that T10 cricket is a significant part of the sport’s future, including that in Europe. The game will offer more matches, more teams, and outstanding players.
Conclusion
The ECS Portugal T10 2024 will be remembered for its exciting matches, incredible individual performances, and the historic Golden Ball finish in the final.
Malo Qalandars have secured their place as one of the top teams in European cricket. But more importantly, the tournament has brought joy to cricket fans worldwide, proving that T10 cricket is the future of the sport.
From the first ball to the final Golden Ball finish, this tournament had everything cricket fans could hope for. With teams like Malo Qalandars and Gamblers SC leading the charge, the future of T10 cricket in Portugal looks promising.
