The seventh edition of Bangladesh T20 League continues to hook the cricket fans to their TV and mobile screens with back-to-back high-voltage games. Taking the action-packed experience to the next level, here comes another match of the series with a lot more excitement. The 9th match of the tournament will witness Khulna Tigers compete against Rajshahi Royals at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram on December 17. The face-off will start at 1:00 PM (IST).
Rajshahi Royals
Previously known as Rajshahi Kings, this franchise is a consistent winner in this season till now. Royals have been part of two matches so far. They bagged their first victory against Dhaka Platoon and then doubled up with another commanding win against Sylhet Thunder, with a massive margin of 9 and 8 wickets respectively.
Their batting order was quite impressive as they chased the target of 92 runs in 10.5 overs in their previous match, with Hazratullah Zazai, Liton Das and Shoaib Malik emerging as the prominent batsmen. Liton Das was the highest run-scorer as he managed to score 44 runs off 26. With the likes of Andre Russell, Alok Kapali and Ravi Bopara, Royals has a strong bowling unit, Especially, the focus is on the highest wicket-taker as he scalped three wickets.
Khulna Tigers
Khulna Tigers have only played one game in the tournament and registered an eight-wicket victory against Chattogram Challengers. Particularly, Tigers' bowling force that included Robbie Frylinck and Aminul Islam fuelled up the action on the field and restricted the opponents within 144. Notably, Robbie Frylinck was the most economical bowler from their side.
Their batting action on the field was fuelled up by some outstanding performances by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najmul Hossain Shanto, who ensured that their team won with more than six overs remaining. Rilee Rossouw turned out to the most successful run-scorer as he scored 64 runs on 38 deliveries with the help of seven boundaries and two sixes.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The weather in Chattogram is favourable for the match as there are no chances of rain. The pitch at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium is a boon for batting forces, and a score of near 180 runs can be expected at the venue. The team which will choose to bat first will earn the benefit.
Head to Head
Rajshahi Royals have secured the top spot at the points table with a net run rate of +2.295, whereas Khulna Tigers stand at fourth position with a net run rate of +3.354.
Probable Playing XI
Rajshahi Royals – Liton Das (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Shoaib Malik, Andre Russell (c), Ravi Bopara, Afif Hossain, Alok Kapali, Abu Jayed, Taijul Islam, Farhad Reza, Minhajul Abedin Afridi
Khulna Tigers – Rilee Rossouw, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mushfiqur Rahim (c & wk), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shamsur Rahman, Robbie Frylinck, Aminul Islam, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Amir, Shafiul Islam, Shahidul Islam
Also Read: BEN STOKES AWARDED BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2019
Key players
Rajshahi Royals
Alok Kapali
Liton Das
Khulna Tigers
Rilee Rossouw
Robbie Frylinck
