Venue: Santarém Cricket Ground, Albergaria | Date & Time: 6:30 PM IST | 1:00 PM GMT | 2:00 PM Local
Overview — The Series-Defining Rematch
This is Portugal vs Norway’s second meeting (M3 saw Portugal win by 12 runs — POR 190/3, NOR 178/8 in a tight match). A third consecutive match between these two in a triple round-robin format creates a genuine rematch opportunity.
Norway’s M3 performance (178/8 chasing 190): They came within 12 runs of beating Portugal on this same ground. Norway’s Faisal Raza (39/22) and Muhammad Sher Sahak (29/23) gave them genuine hope in the death overs before Portugal’s bowling held its nerve.
What Norway must do differently in M8:
- Restrict Portugal to under 165 (30 runs less than M3 — achievable if Sherman Vaz is less effective)
- Faisal Raza must bat through for 60+ rather than being dismissed in the mid-30s
- Their spinners need to exploit any morning moisture at Santarém more aggressively in the powerplay
Norway squad: Raza Iqbal (c), Khizer Ahmed (wk), Faisal Raza, Ahmadullah Shinwari, Qamar Mushtaque, Wahidullah Sahak, Irfan Mushtaq, Hassan Mehmood, Usman Arif, Noman Safi, Sheraz Ahmad, Shahzad Tanveer, Vinay Ravi, Muhammad Sher Sahak
Portugal’s confidence: After dominant M3 performance (190/3), Portugal’s batting is in extraordinary confidence. Their top order has been consistently scoring 60+ in the powerplay phase — which at Santarém’s wicket (average first innings 151) is exceptional.
Key battle: Sherman Vaz (POR, 4 wickets in M3 vs Norway) vs Faisal Raza (NOR, 39/22 in M3). This is the individual matchup that defines the series. Vaz needs to dismiss Raza cheaply to prevent Norway building the same momentum as M3. Raza needs to go 20+ balls before Vaz can settle into his rhythm.
Portugal vs Norway Prediction
Predicted winner: Portugal (58%) — their form and home advantage is clear, but Norway’s M3 performance (178/8) shows they can push Portugal hard. This is the closest match of the tri-series.
Fantasy Tips: Captain: Najam Shahzad (POR) or Faisal Raza (NOR) — both have the highest individual ceiling in this game. Captain Shahzad gives reliability; Captain Raza gives a differential 50+ score upside. VC: Sherman Vaz (POR) — 4 wickets in M3 specifically against Norway makes him the must-pick bowling option.
Broadcast (both Portugal matches): Willow TV (USA) | Cricbuzz/ESPNcricinfo live coverage. Local streaming via Cricket Portugal social channels.
Also Read- Portugal vs France