By Anas Ahmed 
Zalmai’s All-Round Heroics Power Austria to Dominant Victory
Austria completed a flawless Viking Cup 2025 campaign by dismantling Norway in the final at the Botkyrka Cricket Center, claiming an emphatic 8-wicket win and securing their position as Europe’s in-form cricketing side.
The match’s undisputed hero was Bilal Zalmai, whose all-round brilliance – 1/21 with the ball and a stunning unbeaten 79 off 39 balls – made the final a personal showcase. His innings, filled with power and precision, ensured Austria chased down the target in just 11.5 overs, leaving 49 balls unused.
Norway Falter Under Austrian Pressure
Norway’s innings began in nightmare fashion when captain Khizer Ahmed was dismissed off the very first ball, caught by Zalmai from Umair Tariq’s sharp delivery. The collapse continued as Walid Ghauri (3) and Kuruge Abeyrathna (5) were removed quickly, reducing Norway to a perilous 10/3 within four overs.
Qamar Mushtaque was the lone beacon of resistance, grinding his way to 44 not out from 46 deliveries. Ibrahim Rahimi chipped in with 23, but Austria’s bowling unit allowed no breathing space.
Ziaurahman Shinwari delivered a fiery spell, taking 4/22 in just 3.1 overs, while Umair Tariq’s early breakthroughs earned him figures of 3/11. Norway were bowled out for a modest 105 in 19.1 overs – a total that always looked below par on a fine batting surface.
Zalmai’s Masterclass Seals the Trophy
Austria’s chase suffered early hiccups, losing Karanbir Singh to a run-out and Imran Asif to Muhammad Butt’s pace. However, once Zalmai took strike, the momentum shifted decisively.
Mixing clean hitting with calculated aggression, Zalmai punished anything loose, blasting 7 fours and 6 towering sixes. His strike rate of over 200 showcased his dominance over both pace and spin. Partner Armaan Randhawa played the perfect support role, finishing with 12 not out as Austria reached 106/2 in under 12 overs.
Key Turning Points
- First-ball dismissal of Khizer Ahmed set Norway’s collapse in motion.
- Ziaurahman Shinwari’s quick double strike broke the back of Norway’s resistance.
- Zalmai’s explosive fifty erased any hopes of a Norwegian fightback.
Austria’s Unbeaten Glory
Austria ended the Viking Cup unbeaten, combining batting depth, a versatile bowling attack, and sharp fielding. Captain Aqib Iqbal praised his side’s composure, noting Zalmai’s performance as “a fitting finale to a perfect tournament.”
Norway’s Silver Lining
Reaching the final was an achievement for Norway, but their batting frailties proved costly. Outside of Mushtaque’s effort, no batter reached 25, and lack of partnerships prevented a competitive total.
Viking Cup 2025 – Final, Stockholm – Aug 10, 2025
Norway – 105 all out in 19.1 overs (Qamar Mushtaque 44*, Ibrahim Rahimi 23; Ziaurahman Shinwari 4/22, Umair Tariq 3/11)
Austria – 106/2 in 11.5 overs (Bilal Zalmai 79*, Armaan Randhawa 12*; Muhammad Butt 1/37)
Result: Austria won by 8 wickets (49 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Bilal Zalmai (79* off 39 & 1/21)
Series Result: Austria won the Viking Cup 2025
Tim Douglas