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The eleventh season of the Bangladesh Premier League continues with a captivating match between Sylhet Strikers and Rangpur Riders. The Strikers, still chasing their maiden title, will hope to start strong this season under the leadership of Rony Talukdar. Meanwhile, the Riders are brimming with confidence after a comprehensive 40-run win in their opening game against Dhaka Capitals. Both teams are eager to secure a victory in this high-stakes encounter at Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
Match Details
| Fixture | Sylhet Strikers vs Rangpur Riders |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, January 2, 2025 |
| Venue | Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka |
| Time | 7:00 PM (Local Time) |
| Format | T20, Bangladesh Premier League |
Team Previews
Sylhet Strikers
Sylhet Strikers have a balanced squad with experienced campaigners and talented youngsters. Paul Stirling will likely open alongside Aaron Jones, while the middle order features the power-hitting George Munsey and Rakheem Cornwall. Captain Rony Talukdar will aim to anchor the innings and guide his team tactically.
The bowling unit, spearheaded by Reece Topley and Tanzim Hasan, has a mix of pace and spin. Nihaduzzaman and Arafat Sunny are expected to play crucial roles with the ball on the slow Dhaka track. The Strikers will aim for a complete performance to start their campaign on a winning note.
Key Players: Rakheem Cornwall, Paul Stirling, Tanzim Hasan
Predicted XI:
Paul Stirling, Aaron Jones, Rakheem Cornwall, Rony Talukdar (c), Nihaduzzaman, Jaker Ali, Tanzim Hasan, Al Amin Hossain, Reece Topley, Arafat Sunny
Rangpur Riders
Rangpur Riders made a statement in their first game with an all-around performance. The batting lineup, led by Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, and Saif Hassan, showcased their power and consistency. Nurul Hasan’s finishing abilities add depth to the batting order.
The bowling unit, featuring Mahedi Hasan’s match-winning spell of 4/27, is a balanced attack with options like Mohammad Saifuddin, Kamrul Islam, and Rakibul Hasan. Rangpur Riders will look to continue their momentum and solidify their position in the points table.
Key Players: Mahedi Hasan, Khushdil Shah, Iftikhar Ahmed
Predicted XI:
Alex Hales, Steven Taylor, Saif Hassan, Khushdil Shah, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rakibul Hasan, Kamrul Islam, Nahid Rana
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Saif Hassan |
| Batsman | Iftikhar Ahmed |
| Batsman | Paul Stirling |
| All-Rounder | Rakheem Cornwall |
| All-Rounder | Khushdil Shah (VC) |
| All-Rounder | Mahedi Hasan (C) |
| Wicketkeeper | Nurul Hasan |
| Bowler | Reece Topley |
| Bowler | Arafat Sunny |
| Bowler | Mohammad Saifuddin |
| Bowler | Rakibul Hasan |
Pitch Report
The Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium offers a slow surface, making it challenging for batters to score freely. Spinners will enjoy assistance, while pacers with variations could be effective. The average first-innings score is around 160-180 runs, with chasing teams holding an edge due to the dew factor in evening matches.
Toss Prediction: Teams are likely to opt to bowl first, considering the chasing trend at this venue.
Weather Conditions
Dhaka is expected to experience clear skies with no chance of rain. Temperatures will range between 18°C and 27°C, providing ideal conditions for cricket.
Match Prediction
Rangpur Riders’ depth in batting and bowling, combined with their all-around performance in the opening game, makes them the favorites. Sylhet Strikers have the potential to surprise, but the Riders’ momentum gives them an edge.
Prediction: Rangpur Riders to win.
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