Cricket Match Highlights | Portugal tour of Norway, 2025 (1st T20I) – 07 April: Portugal vs Norway | POR got a massive defeat against NOR

POR vs NOR (1^st T20I) – Highlights 

In the first T20I of the Norway tour of Portugal, held in Albergaria on April 7, 2025, Norway delivered a commanding performance to defeat Portugal by 39 runs. Batting first, Norway posted a solid total of 154 for 6. Portugal faltered in their chase, bowled out for just 115 in 18.1 overs. Abeyrathna starred with the ball as well as with the bat, producing an economical spell of 2 for 7 in 3 overs. His all-around brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award in a deserved win.

Norway put up a competitive total of 154 for 6 in their 20 overs, with valuable contributions across the batting order. Kuruge Abeyrathna led the charge with a fluent 33 off 27 balls, striking six boundaries, while Junaid Mehmood added 27 from 23 deliveries. Faisal Raza anchored the innings brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 37 off 30 balls. Usman Arif also chipped in with a steady 22. Despite a few quick wickets in the middle, Norway maintained a solid run rate of 7.70.

Portugal’s bowling unit had mixed fortunes as they attempted to contain Norway’s batting lineup. Upen Shantu was the pick of the bowlers, delivering a tight spell of 4 overs for just 14 runs and taking 1 wicket at an economy of 3.50. Rahulkumar Hashu made key breakthroughs with 3 wickets, though he was slightly expensive, conceding 33 runs in his 4 overs. Siraj Ullah Khadem bowled economically, picking up 1 wicket for 25 runs in his full quota. However, Juan Henri, Najjam Shahzad, and Amandeep Singh struggled to maintain pressure, each conceding over 9 runs per over without much success.

Portugal, chasing 155 for victory, were bundled out for 115 in 18.1 overs, falling short by 39 runs. Despite a brisk start from Jalpesh Vijay, who scored 13 off 9, Portugal’s innings lacked momentum. Contributions from Amandeep Singh (16), Rahulkumar Hashu (26), and Upen Shantu (13) weren’t enough to rescue the side. Regular wickets derailed the chase, with key batters like Najjam Shahzad and Dhavalkumar Norotam falling cheaply.

Norway’s bowlers, especially Kuruge Abeyrathna and Qamar Mushtaque, kept things tight and struck at crucial moments. An injury to Jeremy Martins left Portugal a batter short, compounding their struggles in the chase.

Norway’s bowling attack put on a disciplined and well-rounded performance to defend their total of 154. Kuruge Abeyrathna was outstanding, returning figures of 2 for 7 in 3 overs, including a maiden, and maintained an exceptional economy of just 2.33. Qamar Mushtaque picked up 2 wickets as well, despite being a bit expensive at 9.47. Anil Parmar and Sher Sahak kept the pressure on with economical spells and a wicket each. Vinay Ravi and Ahmadullah Shinwari also chipped in with a wicket apiece. Norway’s bowlers maintained tight lines and shared the workload effectively, ensuring Portugal never gained momentum in their chase.

Portugal vs Norway Scoreboard

Norway  – 154/6 (20.0)

Portugal – 115/10 (18.1)

Result – Norway won by 39 runs

Player of the match – Kuruge Abeyrathna

POR vs NOR Playing XIs

Portugal

Najjam Shahzad (c), Miguel Machado (wk), Upen Shantu, Jalpesh Vijay, Sirajullah Khadim, Conrad Greenshields, Jeremy Martins, Juan Henri,  Rahulkumar Hashu, Dhavalkumar Norotam, Amandeep Singh

Norway

Khizer Ahmed (c & wk), Sher Sahak, Faisal Raza,  Usman Arif, Anil Parmar, Kuruge Abeyrathna, Junaid Mehmood Hussain, Vishal Sharma, Qamar Mushtaque, Vinay Ravi, Ahmadullah Shinwari

Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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