Chattogram Challengers vs Sylhet Thunder, Bangladesh Premier League 2020, Today Match Prediction 11 Dec 2019

cgc vs sth Match Prediction & Analysis

It’s the start of another T20 league and it’s the seventh season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). There are a few variations for this edition. This season is called the ‘Bangabandhu BPL’ to celebrate the 100th birthday anniversary of the first President of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Moreover, due to conflict of interest between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the BPL franchises, the BCB is running this edition of the T20 league without any franchises taking part.

There are some rule changes as well. Each team must have a fast bowler that bowls in excess of 140 km/h and also a leg-spinner.

Chattogram Challengers take on Sylhet Thunder in the first game of the season. Chattogram Challengers were called Chittagong Vikings until last season before they were renamed and reinstated in the league. They have constantly been in and around the top four through the years. They finished fourth last season but their best season came in 2013 when they finished runners-up.

Meanwhile, Sylhet Thunder has never made it to the knockout stage and will want to rewrite that record.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Chattogram Challengers Preview

Chattogram Challengers seem to have built a strong Bangladesh core in all departments. They have the likes of Imrul Kayes and Junaid Siddique at the top of the order. Both openers have international experience and have been playing for some time now. Mahmudullah and Nurul Hasan will form the heart of the middle order. The former will be looking to lead from the front.

Rubel Hossain will be leading the pace attack with the likes of Muktar Ali and Enamul Haque Jr complimenting him in the bowling attack. These are the local players.

The Challengers also have the all-round trio of Ryan Burl, Imad Wasim and Rayad Emrit in the middle and lower-middle order who can be effective and make an impact with both bat and ball. Avishka Fernando is an attractive young player at the top of the order.

Moreover, Chris Gayle is likely to be available from the second half of the season. They even have a strong bench. In all, Chattogram Challengers seem to have most bases covered.

Chattogram Challengers Predicted Playing XI:

Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Avishka Fernando, Mahmudullah (c), Nurul Hasan (wk), Ryan Burl, Imad Wasim, Rayad Emrit, Rubel Hossain, Enamul Haque Jr, Muktar Ali

Chattogram Challengers Actual Playing XI:

Chadwick Walton, Nurul Hasan, Avishka Fernando, Muktar Ali, Nasum Ahmed, M Junaid Siddique, Ryan Burl, Imrul Kayes, RR Emrit, Rubel Hossain, Nasir Hossain

Sylhet Thunder Preview

When you compare the two batting line-ups, Sylhet Thunder’s looks thin on paper. Johnson Charles will be a critical member at the top of the order. He has the ability to take the attack to the opposition and give the team a flying start. Mohammad Mithun and Mosaddek Hossain will be vital cogs in the middle order.

Sylhet Thunder has decent all-round options. Jeevan Mendis, Monir Hossain, Rony Talukdar and Sohag Gazi form the core of the lower middle order and will be looking to have a decent impact.

While the batting looks slightly thin, the bowling wears a solid look. They have the variety and boast of a decent attack. Mohammad Sami will likely be the premier fast bowler. He can bowl quick and will be the one that can bowl in excess of 140+. Ebadat Hossain will partner Sami with the new ball. Nayeem Hasan will be the other spinner apart from Mendis.

Sylhet Thunder Predicted Playing XI:

Johnson Charles (wk), Shafiqullah Shafaq, Mohammad Mithun (c), Mosaddek Hossain, Jeevan Mendis, Monir Hossain, Rony Talukdar, Sohag Gazi, Ebadat Hossain, Nayeem Hasan, Mohammad Sami

Sylhet Thunder Actual Playing XI:

Jeevan Mendis, Ebadat Hossain, Naveen-ul-Haq, Nazmul Hossain Milon, S Gazi, Mosaddek Hossain, Nazmul Islam, Mohammad Mithun, Krishmar Santokie, R Talukdar, J Charles

Weather Conditions

It is an afternoon start and the temperatures will be at its peak and will hover around 26-27. There is absolutely no chance of rain as well. The pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka historically favors spin. However, it is generally a decent surface to bat on as well.

Venue Details

The Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka is one of the premier cricket stadiums in Bangladesh. It played host to four T20Is earlier in September this year in a T20I tri-series which involved Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The average score batting first was 168. Also, spinners usually enjoy bowling at this venue.

Toss: To Bowl

In T20 cricket, teams usually like to win the toss and opt to chase. Over the last 10 years, teams chasing have won 52.4% in T20 cricket. Thus, despite this game being an afternoon start, both teams might want to bowl first if they win the toss.