BPL 2019, Eliminator: Chittagong Vikings vs Dhaka Dynamites - Preview and Predicted Playing XI
In the first of the two play-off matches on a marvelous Monday, the Chittagong Vikings take on Dhaka Dynamites at their home ground in Dhaka to earn the right to have another go at the BPL Trophy.
Both teams started off brilliantly in the BPL but tailed off towards the latter part of the season in-spite of making it into the eliminator.
With the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Andre Russell in their ranks and home support behind them, Dhaka Dynamites are the favourites in this match, although Chittagong are also a very good side with enough fire-power at the top of the order.
With a lot at stake in this crucial game, another enthralling game of cricket is expected from both teams on Monday.
Chittagong Vikings
Batting:
The Vikings have been fairly good with the bat this season. The likes of Mushfiqur Rahim and Yasir Ali have been consistent for the Vikings and have bailed them out on several occasions too.
Rahim (418 runs) and Yasir Ali (299 runs) are the top run-scorers for their teams while Delport, Shahzad and Mosaddek have come up with crucial cameos at the time of requirement.
The presence of Dasun Shanaka and Sikandar Raza provide depth to their batting line-up although one of them might have to be sacrificed to sort out the opening pair conundrum.
Mohammad Ashraful failed in the previous match but should be given another opportunity to prove his class.
Bowling:
Hardus Viljoen made a telling impact in his first match for the Vikings as he snared four wickets to cement his position in the side. Abu Jayed and Khaled have 32 wickets amongst them and are key to the Vikings fortunes.
Nayeem Hasan and Sikandar Raza's overs will be crucial to the cause with the presence of three left handers in the Dhaka top order and the Dhaka pitch favouring the spinners also.
Expected Playing XI:
Cameron Delport, Mohammad Ashraful/Shadman Islam, Yasir Ali, Mushfiqur Rahim (C&WK), Mosaddek Hossain, Sikandar Raza, Dasun Shanaka, Nayeem Hasan, Hardus Viljoen, Abu Jayed and Khaled Ahmed.
Dhaka Dynamites
Batting:
Dhaka sneaked into the eliminator on the virtue of NRR and would be banking on the home support to boost their chances of making it to the Qualifier 2.
Shakib Al Hasan has been the cornerstone of the batting with 275 runs to his name while Rony Talukdar, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine have also played their part to perfection.
Their inability to start well in the power-play has been a concern and should be taken care of as they take on a quality Chittagong bowling.
Bowling:
As is the case with the bowling, Shakib Al Hasan is the highest wicket-taker among the top four teams in the competition with 21 wickets, with Rubel Hossain also picking up 16 wickets.
Both of them have been ably supported by Russell and Narine with their expertise coming in handy on many occasions. Their 16 overs are tough to put away, causing teams to target the fifth bowler. With Aliss Islam out with injury, Qazi Onik was able to impress against Khulna, and his four overs will be crucial in determining the fate of the match.
Expected Playing XI:
Upul Tharanga, Sunil Narine, Rony Talukdar, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Nurul Hasan (WK), Mizanur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Mahmudul and Qazi Onik