The popular Bangladesh T20I League has taken the cricket craze up a notch with its power-packed seventh edition. Now the league is coming to an end, bracing up the teams to put their best foot forward in the final play-offs. The 41st game of the tournament will see the table toppers Chattogram Challengers facing the third-ranked Rajshahi Royals on 11 January. The fixture is scheduled at 1 PM in Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. Chattogram Challengers and Rajshahi Royals have been fighting for the top spot since the beginning of this season. With each passing match, both the teams have been juggling on the first and second position. Currently, the Challengers have made it to the top with their latest victory over the Royals in their previous encounter.
The Challengers are the leaders of the points table with 8 compelling wins and net run rate (NRR) of +0.238. They have been consistent in displaying a superb all-round performance. If they succeed in registering their victory in this match, then it will be their fifth victory in a row. Their batting line-up is in red hot form, which includes Imrul Kayes, and Chadwick Walton. In addition, Chris Gayle has recently joined Challengers and intends to provide a much-needed strength to their side. Their squad also boasts of a strong bowling line-up consisting of Rubel Hossain, Ziaur Rahman and Mehedi Hasan Rana.
Currently occupying the third position, Royals will be looking forward to regaining their top spot by winning the clash against Challengers. The Royals have clinched seven victories and NRR of +0.361. In this contest, they aim to bounce back from the heavy defeat they faced in their last face-off. The batsman who stand out in their squad are Liton Das, Afif Hossain and Shoaib Malik. Apart from the batters, the Royals will undoubtedly bank on their bowling unit namely comprising of Ravi Bopara, Alok Kapali, and Farhad Reza to put up a competitive show in the next game.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The Dhaka pitch will favour the spinners and it would be tough for the batsmen to play strokes. Since majority matches on this ground have been won by the side batting second, this match will be no different.
There will be clear skies as the temperature will deviate between 13 and 23 degree Celsius throughout the day. No rain is expected during the course of play.
Head to Head
|
Teams |
Total Matches Played |
Matches Won |
Matches Lost |
|
Chattogram Challengers |
11 |
8 |
3 |
|
Rajshahi Royals |
11 |
7 |
4 |
Probable Playing XI
Chattogram Challengers: Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons, Imrul Kayes(c), Chadwick Walton, Mahmudullah, Nurul Hasan(w), Nasum Ahmed, Muktar Ali, Ziaur Rahman, Kesrick Williams, Rubel Hossain
Rajshahi Royals: Liton Das, Afif Hossain, Shoaib Malik(c), Andre Russell, Ravi Bopara, Irfan Sukkur(w), Farhad Reza, Alok Kapali, Taijul Islam, Kamrul Islam, Mohammad Irfan
Also Read: BANGLADESH T20 LEAGUE MATCH PREDICTION: CUMILLA WARRIORS VS. KHULNA TIGERS
Key Players
Chattogram Challengers
Imrul Kayes
Lendl Simmons
Rajshahi Royals
Liton Das
Afif Hossain
