Rajshahi Royals vs Chattogram Challengers, Bangladesh Premier League 2020, Today Match Prediction 15 Jan 2020

rir vs cgc Match Prediction & Analysis

Chattogram Challengers will be keen to secure their place in finals when they will face Rajshahi Royals in the Qualifier 2 game of 2019 Bangladesh Premier League at Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Rajshahi Royals will be bitterly disappointed with a 27-run defeat in the Qualifier 1 game played against Khulna Tigers at Dhaka on Monday. The side failed to get going in their innings and was blown away by Mohammad Amir’s sensational new-ball spell. Captain Andre Russell will be hoping that the side can raise their game with the bat and ball in this knockout game.

On the other hand, Chattogram Challengers comfortably brushed aside Dhaka Platoon in the Eliminator game played on Monday. With this win, Chattogram Challengers will fancy their chances against Rajshahi Royals.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Rajshahi Royals Preview

Andre Russell-led unit will be looking to make a strong comeback in this game is set up a final clash with Khulna Tigers. In the Qualifier 1 game, Royals capitulated badly in the chase to lose the game to Khulna Tigers. The positives to come out from previous games were splendid performances from pacer Mohammad Irfan and middle-order batsman Shoaib Malik.

Mohammad Irfan was the pick of the bowlers and finished with figures of 2 for 13 in his four overs. In the batting department, the team will be depending on the opening pair of Liton Das and Afif Hossain to deliver runs with the bat in this game. The openers perished for low scores in the knockout game played against Khulna Tigers.

Experienced T20 campaigner, Shoaib Malik played well and scored a breathtaking 80 runs off 50 balls with the help of ten fours and four sixes. He looked in good shape with the bat and is currently franchise’s leading run-scorer in the competition with 432 runs at an average of 43.20 with three half-centuries to his name. There will be added pressure on Captain Andre Russell in particular, after another low score for the side in the Qualifier 1 game played against Khulna Tigers.

The bowling department lacked potency and struggled to pick wickets in the middle phase of the innings. Left-arm quick Mohammad Irfan will need to lead the way with the ball and provide crucial breakthroughs in this all-important clash.

Rajshahi Royals Predicted Playing XI:

Shoaib Malik, Alok Kapali, Farhad Reza, Ravi Bopara, Mohammad Irfan, Andre Russell (c), Kamrul Islam , Taijul Islam, Abu Jayed, Liton Das (wk), Afif Hossain

Rajshahi Royals Actual Playing XI:

Farhad Reza, I Sukkur, Kamrul Islam, Afif Hossain, Liton Das, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Irfan, Abu Jayed, Mohammad Nawaz, Alok Kapali, Andre Russell

Chattogram Challengers Preview

In the Eliminator game, Chattogram Challengers registered a comfortable seven-wicket over Dhaka Platoon, courtesy splendid performances from Rayad Emrit, Rubel Hossain and Mahmudullah. The pace trio of Rubel Hossain, Rayad Emrit and Mehedi Hasan Rana delivered splendid performances to see Chattogram restrict Dhaka to a modest score of 144 for 8 in their 20 overs.

In pursuit of 145 runs, openers Chris Gayle and Ziaur Rahman got the side off to a flying start and added 42 runs in the first five overs. Chris Gayle played well and delivered a sensible inning for the side. Veteran scored finished the innings with the top-score of 39 runs off 49 balls with the help of one four and two sixes. He was well supported by Ziaur Rahman, who chipped in with 25 runs off 12 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes.

In the batting department, the team will be depending heavily on middle-order batting duo of Imrul Kayes and Chadwick Walton, both of whom have already scored 437 and 311 runs at averages of 54.62 and 38.87 respectively. Captain Imrul Kayes has been in good form in this year’s competition. In Qualifier 1 game, he scored 32 runs off 22 balls with the help of one four and three sixes. All-rounder Mahmudullah also has looked in good form for Chattogram Challengers and is averaging 42.00 with the bat so far this season. Pacer Rubel Hossain will have to lead from the front and pick up wickets with the ball in hand. He has shown excellent form in this year’s competition and finished with figures of 2 for 33 against Dhaka Platoon.

In the bowling department, the onus will be once again on pacers Mehedi Hasan Rana and Rubel Hossain to deliver the goods upfront, whereas left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed will be expected to provide breakthroughs in the middle of the innings.

Chattogram Challengers Predicted Playing XI:

Chris Gayle, Rayad Emrit, Mahmudullah (c), Imrul Kayes, Rubel Hossain, Chadwick Walton, Ziaur Rahman, Nurul Hasan (wk), Nasum Ahmed , Asela Gunaratne, Mehedi Hasan Rana

Chattogram Challengers Actual Playing XI:

RR Emrit, Chadwick Walton, Rubel Hossain, Chris Gayle, Mahmudullah, Nasum Ahmed, Mehedi Hasan Rana, Ziaur Rahman, Nurul Hasan, Imrul Kayes, Asela Gunaratne

Weather Conditions

The wicket will have something for quick bowlers. With the cooler conditions in the evening, expect bowlers will get some lateral movement off the pitch. The weather forecast for the game to be played on Wednesday is going to be clear skies with light winds.

Venue Details

Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka is going to host the Qualifier 2 game between Chattogram Challengers and Rajshahi Royals. In previous three meetings between the two teams this season, Chattogram Challengers have come out on top on all three occasions.

Toss: To Bat

Both the teams would be looking to win the toss and bat first on this wicket. Batting last on this wicket might be a tough ask with pitch offering assistance for quick bowlers.