The opening fixture of the ECA Women’s European Cup 2026 brings together two ambitious sides as Austria Women lock horns with Sweden Women at the Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground. Austria enters the tournament with a well-settled core featuring experienced stalwarts like Andrea-Mae Zepeda and all-round solidity from players such as Priya Sabu and Mahadewa Pathirannehelage, giving them a strong foundation in both departments. On the other side, Sweden arrives eager to stamp their authority on the continental stage, boasting a disciplined squad capable of turning matches around through tight bowling and smart game management.
Squads:
Austria Women’s Cricket Team
Harjivan Bhullar, Andrea-Mae Zepeda, Priya Sabu, Anisha Nookala, Ashmaan Saifee, Mallika Pathirannehelage, Sheetal Bhardwaj, Hadia Siddiqui, Pravitha Ganeshan, Prabhavathi Talloji, Vera Poglitsch, Prithaa Ganesan, Ashi Chopla, Shalika Ariyasinghage
Sweden Women’s Cricket Team
Afia Ahmed, Ekaterina Bogdanova, Kashvi Kanwar, Sanvi Mirani, Anya Vaidya, Dewa Chamto, Fatima Zahra, Kanchan Rana, Malyun Yusuf, Elsa Thelander, Meghana Alugunoolla, Gaya Jayaweera, Hareer Chamto, Imali Jayasooriya, Matilda Heircock, Zara Mohammad
Players to watch out:
Andrea-Mae Zepeda
Andrea-Mae Zepeda has been a steady pillar at the crease since she started playing WT20Is back in 2019, stepping out across 49 matches and 49 innings to compile a remarkable 1,358 runs. Her highest score stands proudly at 101, anchored by a solid average of 38.80 and a strike rate of 94.50, while featuring one century and six half-centuries backed up by 162 boundaries.
Mallika Pathirannehelage
Mallika Pathirannehelage has proven herself to be a genuine match-winner with the ball over her career spanning 2021 to 2026, featuring in 49 matches and delivering 1,059 balls across 176.3 overs. She has claimed 53 wickets with a best bowling performance of 5/16, maintaining an impressive average of 15.01 and a tight economy rate of 4.50 per over.
Kanchan Rana
Kanchan Rana has been a dependable top-order presence since 2022, playing 34 matches and stepping into 31 innings to score 551 runs. She holds a top score of 78, a healthy strike rate touching 99.81, and has notched up two half-centuries along with 51 fours and 2 sixes.
Jayasooriya
Jayasooriya has carved out a very useful role as an all-round contributor since 2022, featuring in 23 matches and 21 innings with the ball. Across 65 overs, she has picked up 14 wickets with a best bowling effort of 2/7 and an economical rate of 4.83 runs per over.
Pitch:
As Romania’s premier and only turf cricket facility, the pitch at Moara Vlăsiei generally offers true bounce and reliable carry, favoring stroke-play once batters adjust to early movement.
Weather:
The forecast for Moara Vlăsiei calls for a high of 16°C and a low of 3°C with mostly cloudy conditions during the day and night, alongside light westerly winds.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Harjivan Bhullar, Andrea-Mae Zepeda, Priya Sabu, Anisha Nookala, Ashmaan Saifee, Mallika Pathirannehelage, Afia Ahmed, Ekaterina Bogdanova, Kashvi Kanwar, Sanvi Mirani, Anya Vaidya
Match Details:
Date – October 15, 2026
Time – 12:30 PM IST
Venue – Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground, Ilfov County
Broadcast – European Cricket YouTube channel