In the 38th match of the Bangladesh Premier League, Fortune Barishal is set to face the table-toppers, Rangpur Riders, in Chattogram. Rangpur Riders enter this encounter with an impressive streak of 7 consecutive wins and a formidable batting lineup in their arsenal.
Team Previews:
Fortune Barishal: Fortune Barishal arrives at this match buoyed by their recent successes, securing three consecutive wins, including two in Chattogram where they defended 180+ totals. Kyle Mayers, who replaced Shoaib Malik in the last game, showcased exceptional performance with both bat and ball, emerging as a key player to watch out for in this match. While their batting lineup boasts depth and reliability, concerns linger regarding converting starts into substantial partnerships. The lower middle order, comprising Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Saifuddin, adds experience and firepower. With a solid bowling attack featuring the likes of Saifuddin, Keshav Maharaj, and Obed McCoy, Barishal aims to maintain their winning momentum.
Predicted Playing XI: Ahmed Shehzad, Kyle Mayers, Tamim Iqbal (c), Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Keshav Maharaj, Mohammad Saifuddin, Obed McCoy, Khaled Ahmed
Rangpur Riders: Rangpur Riders aim to continue their dominant run after securing 8 wins out of 9 matches. Despite a shaky start in their opening game against Fortune Barishal, they displayed resilience and transformed their performance in subsequent matches. The top order, led by Reeza Hendricks and Brandon King, needs to find consistency to ease pressure on Shakib Al Hasan and the lower-middle order. Notably, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahedi Hasan played pivotal roles in their previous match, guiding the team to a competitive total. With a formidable bowling lineup featuring Shakib Al Hasan, Dwaine Pretorius, and Mahedi Hasan, Rangpur Riders possess the firepower to trouble the opposition.
Predicted Playing XI: Brandon King, Rony Talukdar, Reeza Hendricks, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, James Neesham, Nurul Hasan (c & wk), Dwaine Pretorius, Shamim Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Hasan Murad
Pitch and Weather Conditions: The Zahur Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram offers a batting-friendly wicket, with spinners finding assistance as the match progresses. The weather forecast indicates sunny conditions with a high of 28 degrees Celsius, favoring batsmen. A target of 190+ could be considered match-winning, considering the batting strengths of both teams.
Toss Prediction: Batting first and setting up a score of 185+ seems advantageous on this pitch. Given the current form of both teams and their deep batting lineups, the team winning the toss may opt to bat first.
BRSAL vs RGR – Winning Prediction: With both teams riding on back-to-back victories and possessing experienced players across the lineup, Rangpur Riders hold a slight edge based on their recent performances and strengths. However, the toss could play a significant role, with the team batting first likely to have an advantage. Overall, Rangpur Riders are favored to emerge victorious in this closely contested encounter.
Prediction: Rangpur Riders to win