Portugal beat Finland by 32 runs – T20 Internationals Match Report
Portugal won by 32 runs in the 123rd match of 143 in T20 Internationals at Kerava National Cricket Ground. Dhavalkumar Norotam struck 51 off 34 balls to power Portugal to 142 for 9, before Finland fell short at 110 all out in 17.2 overs. The win keeps Portugal climbing in the ICC T20I rankings, currently positioned 40th with a rating of 76.
Portugal’s Innings – Norotam Sets the Tone
Finland won the toss and elected to bowl, but Dhavalkumar Norotam made them pay immediately. The Portugal opener smashed 51 off just 34 balls (4 fours, 1 six) at a strike rate of 150, anchoring the powerplay and carrying the momentum through the middle overs. His dismissal caught at 104 for 1 in the 13th over left Portugal at a crossroads, but Jordan Pereira Netto steadied the ship with 38 off 37 (2 fours, 1 six).
Jeremy Martins chipped in with 18 off 16 (1 four, 1 six), and Carlos Nunes contributed 5 off 6 to push Portugal towards 142 for 9. Finland’s bowling was led by Akhil Arjunan, who took 4 for 34 from 4 overs – a miserly spell that kept Portugal’s total in check. Nicholas Salonen claimed 2 for 27 from 3 overs, while Amjad Sher took 2 for 25 from 4.
Finland’s Chase Falls Flat
Finland’s reply never gained traction. Aravind Mohan was caught for 6 in the opening over, and Vanraaj Padhaal fell LBW for 1 at 8 for 2 in the first over. Aniketh Pusthay was bowled for 5, leaving Finland in deep trouble at 31 for 3.
Faraaz Mehti Abbas (24 off 28, 3 fours) and Nicholas Salonen (16 off 15, 1 four) briefly steadied the innings with a 22-run stand, but the damage was done. Faheem Nellancheri provided late resistance with 37 off 32 (1 four, 3 sixes) at a strike rate of 116, but Finland’s lower order crumbled. Hammadullah Shinwari was bowled for 3, Amjad Sher for 6, and Akhil Arjunan for 2 – all clean bowled – as Portugal’s attack tightened.
Jeremy Martins was the pick of Portugal’s bowlers with 3 for 30 from 3.2 overs, while Upen Shantu took 2 for 15 from 3 and Hardeep Khuttan claimed 2 for 16 from 3. Finland were dismissed for 110, falling 32 runs short.
Statz MVP: Dhavalkumar Norotam (Statz Rating: 73.79)
Dhavalkumar Norotam earns the Statz MVP award with a rating of 73.79. His explosive 51 off 34 balls set the tone for Portugal’s innings, striking at 150 and providing the platform that ultimately proved decisive. Norotam’s aggressive approach in the powerplay forced Finland’s bowlers onto the back foot and established the momentum Portugal carried through to victory.
Top 5 Statz Ratings
- Dhavalkumar Norotam (POR) – Statz Rating: 73.79 – 51 off 34 (SR 150, 4 fours, 1 six). Explosive powerplay knock that set Portugal’s winning platform.
- Akhil Arjunan (FIN) – Statz Rating: 64.21 – 4 for 34 from 4 overs (economy 8.5). Took four wickets but Finland’s batting failed to support his effort.
- Nicholas Salonen (FIN) – Statz Rating: 63.78 – 16 off 15 with the bat plus 2 for 27 from 3 overs. Solid all-round contribution in a losing effort.
- Upen Shantu (POR) – Statz Rating: 58.75 – 2 for 15 from 3 overs (economy 5.0). Economical bowling display in Portugal’s successful chase.
- Amjad Sher (FIN) – Statz Rating: 58.25 – 2 for 25 from 4 overs (economy 6.25). Took two wickets but Finland’s batting collapse overshadowed his efforts.
Turning Point
The match turned decisively in the opening overs of Finland’s chase. Aravind Mohan was caught for 6 at 8 for 1 in the first over, followed immediately by Vanraaj Padhaal LBW for 1 at 8 for 2. By the time Aniketh Pusthay was bowled for 5 at 31 for 3, Finland were already out of the contest. Portugal’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, and Finland never recovered from the early collapse.
Match Context
This was the 123rd match of 143 in T20 Internationals. Portugal’s victory extends their momentum in the format, with the side currently ranked 40th in the ICC T20I standings at a rating of 76. Check the full scorecard, bet builder, and ground details on Statz Cricket for the complete breakdown.
