By Anas Ahmed 
The opening day of the Czech Republic tour of Romania 2025 produced two exciting T20I matches at the Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground in Ilfov County. The visitors struck first, clinching the series opener by 18 runs, before hosts Romania hit back in style to level the four-match series 1-1.
1st T20I – Czech Republic edge Romania in tight contest
Result: Czech Republic won by 18 runs | CZE 149/9 (20 ov) vs ROU 131/8 (20 ov)
Batting first, the Czech Republic posted 149/9, powered by Sabawoon Davizi (28 off 28) and a crucial hand from Sazib Bhuiyan (25 off 26). Despite regular breakthroughs from Romania’s attack, extras (28 runs, including 23 wides) lifted the total. Ijaz Hussain (2/20) and Luca Petre (2/35) kept things in check for the hosts.
In reply, Romania’s captain Vasu Saini fought hard with a brisk 42 off 28 balls, while Md Ariyan (24 off 34) provided support. But Czech bowlers, led by Bhuiyan (3/19) and Ajhar Alam (2/28), held their nerve. Romania finished on 131/8, falling 18 runs short.
For his all-round performance, Sazib Bhuiyan was named Player of the Match.
2nd T20I – Iroshan’s brilliance powers Romania to series-levelling win
Result: Romania won by 18 runs | ROU 176/4 (20 ov) vs CZE 158 (18.2 ov)
Romania bounced back strongly in the second T20I. Skipper Ramesh Satheesan (49 off 33) and Avishka Iroshan (30 off 34) laid the foundation, while Md Ariyan (29 off 18) and Vasu Saini (31 off 27)* powered the team to a competitive 176/4. Extras again played a role, with 25 runs conceded by the Czech bowlers.
In response, Czech opener Sharan Ramakrishnan (67 off 44) and Bhuiyan (56 off 33) kept their team in the hunt with a century stand. But once the partnership broke, the chase collapsed. Romania’s Avishka Iroshan turned the game on its head with 4/10, supported by Ijaz Hussain (3/16), bowling out the visitors for 158 in 18.2 overs.
Iroshan’s all-round show earned him the Player of the Match, as Romania squared the series 1-1.
Day 1 of the Romania vs Czech Republic T20I series had it all – a gritty win for the visitors in the morning followed by a resounding comeback from the hosts in the evening. With the series level at 1-1, both teams will head into the remaining two matches with everything to play for.
Victoria Hamilton 
Tim Douglas