The cricket extravaganza of Bangladesh T20 League is about to come to a delightful end with the final battle taking place on 17 January. Decimating the Chattogram Challengers in the second qualifier match, Rajshahi Royals have progressed to the final and are all set to square off against Khulna Tigers. It will be a riveting contest between the two most sensational teams of this season. The match is scheduled tomorrow at 6:30 PM at Sher-e-Bangla stadium, Dhaka. Both the franchises have won 8 matches each out of 12 attempts. Russell and Co. will look forward to avenge their loss in their previous encounter against Khulna Tigers and take the trophy home.
Khulna Tigers have been very impressive in this tournament, securing the top position on the points table. The team boasts of a brilliant batting line-up containing the leading run-scorers namely, Rilee Rossouw and Mushfiqur Rahim. With the likes of Mohammad Amir, Shafiul Islam, Shahidul Islam, the Tigers are expected to produce some fearsome bowling attack.
Rajshahi Royals have also been equally consistent in this season, attaining second spot. The Royals’ captain Andre Russell guided his team to the final with an unbeaten knock of 54 including 7 sixes and 2 fours in the last qualifier. Their batsmen have also done an incredible job throughout the season. While Shoaib Malik has been in his ominous best, Liton Das and Afif Hossain have also strengthened the batting department with their superb performances. The team also includes some undisputed bowlers like Ravi Bopara, Farhad Reza, and Mohammad Irfan who are likely to showcase some magical spells on the pitch.
Pitch Report
The Dhaka pitch is known to be a spinners’ paradise, and the batsmen find it difficult to post big target on this ground.
Weather Conditions
On Friday, it is likely to be sunny and bright with 27 degrees Celsius temperature. With only 10% possibility of precipitation, the cloudy skies are not expected to disrupt the game.
Head to Head
|
Teams |
Total Matches Played |
Matches Won |
Matches Lost |
Net Run Rate (NRR) |
|
Khulna Tigers |
12 |
8 |
4 |
+0.912 |
|
Rajshahi Royals |
12 |
8 |
4 |
+0.420 |
Probable Playing XI
Khulna Tigers
Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan, Rilee Rossouw, Mushfiqur Rahim (C & WK), Najibullah Zadran, Shamsur Rahman, Robbie Frylinck, Mohammad Amir, Shafiul Islam, Shahidul Islam, Aliss Islam
Rajshahi Royals
Liton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Shoaib Malik, Andre Russell (c), Ravi Bopara, Alok Kapali, Farhad Reza, Taijul Islam, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammad Irfan, Abu Jayed
Key Players
Khulna Tigers
Rilee Rossouw
Mushfiqur Rahim
Rajshahi Royals
Shoaib Malik
Andre Russell
