By Anas Ahmed 
The Norway Tri-Nation T20I Series 2025 kicked off with a day full of action at the Stubberudmyra Cricket Ground in Oslo on August 17, 2025. Hosts Norway delighted home fans with two wins from two matches, while Sweden bounced back from an early setback to dominate Hungary.
Oslo produced thrilling contests, power-packed batting, and standout bowling spells. Norway finished unbeaten after two games, with Rahimi’s late hitting the highlight. Sweden, after a narrow loss to the hosts, bounced back emphatically thanks to Saeed Ahmed’s heroics against Hungary.
Match 1: Norway hold nerve to edge Sweden
Result: Norway beat Sweden by 3 wickets (18.3 overs) | Sweden 136/9 vs Norway 137/7
The opening clash saw Norway chase down Sweden’s 137 with three wickets in hand and nine balls to spare.
Batting first, Sweden were anchored by captain Imal Zuwak’s 56 off 49 balls, supported by a quickfire 32 from Saeed Ahmed. But Norway’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. Qamar Mushtaque (3/19) and Muhammad Butt (2/19) combined to restrict Sweden to 136/9.
In reply, Norwegian skipper Khizer Ahmed gave his team a flying start with 26 from 14 balls. Walid Ghauri’s steady 49 held the chase together, though Sweden’s Sami Rahmani (4/23) threatened to turn the tide. A composed finish from Ibrahim Rahimi (10 off 6)* helped Norway clinch the first win of the series.
Match 2: Saeed Ahmed fireworks propel Sweden past Hungary
Result: Sweden beat Hungary by 79 runs | Sweden 204/5 vs Hungary 125/8
Sweden roared back in the afternoon fixture with a clinical win over Hungary, powered by an explosive innings from Saeed Ahmed.
Put in to bat, Sweden piled up 204/5, their charge led by Yatharth Chauhan (71 off 42) and wicketkeeper Ajay Mundra (43 off 31). But it was Saeed Ahmed’s blistering 73 from 37 balls*, laced with four boundaries and five sixes, that blew the game wide open.
Hungary’s chase faltered after opener Abbas Ghani (41 off 27) departed. The middle order collapsed against disciplined Swedish bowling, with Advait Dhabe (2/5 in 4 overs) producing a stunningly economical spell. Hungary closed on 125/8, falling well short by 79 runs.
Saeed Ahmed was named Player of the Match for his match-winning innings and sharp work in the field.
Match 3: Rahimi blitz seals second win for Norway
Result: Norway beat Hungary by 32 runs | Norway 172/8 vs Hungary 140/8
Norway capped off the day in style with a second win, this time against Hungary, thanks to a breathtaking cameo from Ibrahim Rahimi.
Electing to bat, Norway built steadily through Khizer Ahmed (31 off 27) and Kuruge Darshana (38 off 38). Faisal Raza’s rapid 29 from 14 balls added spark, before Rahimi unleashed fireworks in the death overs. His 38 off just 14 deliveries, featuring four towering sixes, lifted Norway to 172/8.
Hungary’s reply was anchored by Abbas Ghani (49 off 35), but wickets fell at regular intervals. Norway’s attack, led by Shahbaz Butt (1/12 from 4 overs), stifled the chase and restricted Hungary to 140/8.
Rahimi’s explosive innings earned him the Player of the Match award, securing Norway’s second win of the day.
Victoria Hamilton