By Anas Ahmed 
The 2025 Viking Cup concluded its 3rd place play-off in spectacular fashion as France defeated Sweden by two wickets with just five balls remaining at the Botkyrka Cricket Center, Stockholm.
It was a contest packed with momentum shifts, individual brilliance, and high-pressure moments — a perfect advertisement for associate-level cricket.
Sweden Set a Challenging Total
Winning the toss, Sweden opted to bat first, and their decision looked justified in the early stages. Skipper Imal Zuwak and Awais Ahmad forged a rapid 68-run partnership in 7.4 overs, blending elegant strokeplay with aggressive running between the wickets.
Zuwak’s 55 off 44 balls, decorated with six crisp fours and a towering six, was a captain’s knock in every sense. Awais contributed 25 from 22 before falling to Dawood Ahmadzai, whose spell broke Sweden’s early momentum.
The middle order kept the tempo alive, with Ihsanullah Wafa (18 off 11) and Sami Rahmani (26 off 13, SR 200) providing late fireworks. Yet France’s bowlers — notably Zain Ahmad (2/27) and Jamshid Nasiri (1/20) — applied brakes in the death overs. Sweden closed at 152/7 in their 20 overs, a score that promised a competitive chase.
France Stumble Early in the Chase
France’s reply began with intent as Mukhtar Ghulami (15 off 10) and Alestin Johnmary (10 off 8) found early boundaries. However, Sweden’s pacer Khalid Zahid produced a game-changing spell, claiming 3/24, including two wickets in quick succession that reduced France to 60/4 by the seventh over.
The middle overs brought further setbacks. Christian Roberts (29 off 27) tried to rebuild alongside Lingeswaran Canessane (11 off 11), but Sweden’s varied bowling attack kept the pressure high. When Roberts departed at 98/6 and Dawood Ahmadzai fell cheaply, France were staring at defeat at 105/8 in the 15th over.
Zaheer Zahiri Turns the Game
At this point, Zaheer Zahiri stepped up in spectacular fashion. Unfazed by the collapsing top order, he counter-attacked with fearless intent, smashing 4 fours and 2 sixes in an unbeaten 34 off just 16 balls. His strike rate of 212.50 was the highest of the match.
Partnering with Noman Amjad (11* off 12), Zahiri engineered a match-winning 48-run ninth-wicket stand. The duo kept cool under pressure, knocking off the remaining runs in the final over to seal victory at 153/8 in 19.1 overs.
Key Performers
- Imal Zuwak (SWE): 55 (44), 6×4, 1×6 – Player of the Match despite being on the losing side.
- Khalid Zahid (SWE): 3/24 – Deadly with the new ball, dismantled France’s top order.
- Zaheer Zahiri (FRA): 34* (16), SR 212.50 – Match-winning knock under immense pressure.
- Dawood Ahmadzai (FRA): 3/35 – Removed Sweden’s main threats at crucial junctures.
What This Signifies
The triumph, which was based on resiliency and poise under duress, places France in third place for the 2025 Viking Cup. France’s increasing depth in T20 cricket is highlighted by Zahiri’s valiant efforts and Ahmadzai’s timely breakthroughs.
Despite Rahmani’s late hitting and Zuwak’s leadership, Sweden will remember the game as one that slipped away. Such close finishes could be converted into victories in subsequent tournaments with improved fielding and more accurate death bowling.
Tim Douglas