BPL 2019, Match 33: Khulna Titans vs Comilla Victorians - Preview and Predicted Playing XI
After a few days off, the Comilla Victorians are back in action as they resume their fight for a playoff spot, taking on last-placed, Khulna Titans in the first match on Monday.
While the Victorians have done well in the absence of their regular skipper, Steve Smith, Khulna Titans have been disappointing with none of their players portraying consistency.
The pitch has been a batting paradise with the likes of Yasir Ali, Alex Hales and Rilee Russouw making merry in Chattogram. With two crucial points at stake, the Victorians will be hoping to get one over the Titans as they continue their march forward.
Khulna Titans
Batting:
In spite of a good start from their openers, Brendan Taylor and Junaid Siddiqui, the others weren't able to carry and kept gifting their wickets at regular intervals. This has been the case for the Titans for the whole tournament and is a major concern they are carrying around with them as well.
While neither their batting nor bowling can be considered as their stronger suit, Khulna can use a few additions to the side that lost to the Sixers. Jahurul Islam could play instead or Al-Amin, who hasn't justified his selection so far while Carlos Brathwaithe could also be given the nod instead of Yasir Shah to strengthen both departments.
Bowling:
Junaid Khan and Subashis Roy were very expensive in the previous game but with only Shariful Islam available to replace them, Titans should not make any changes to bowling unit except for Yasir Shah's ousting. Junaid Khan has ten wickets in five matches and will be key to the Titans' fortunes on Monday.
Expected Playing XI:
Brendan Taylor (WK), Jahurul Islam, Junaid Siddiqui, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mahmadullah Riyad (C), Ariful Haque, David Wiese, Carlos Brathwaite, Taijul Islam, Junaid Khan and Subashis Roy.
Comilla Victorians
Batting:
The all-Bangladeshi top order of Tamim, Imrul Kayes, Anamul Haque and Shamsur Rahman have been fairly successful in their attempts to give the likes of Perera and Afridi the ideal platform to go big.
Tamim Iqbal has 192 runs to his name while Thisara Perera has the best strike-rate in the BPL 2019 season with 256.52. Both of them would be key as they look to wrap up two more points against Khulna.
Bowling:
The variety in bowling options within the side makes Comilla a tricky team to face. With as many as three spinners and four pacers each in their arsenal, Comilla are well prepared to encounter any sort of problem.
Afridi and Saifuddin have 10 wickets each and have performed well for the Victorians in this tournament with support coming in from Mahedi Hasan as well. The last time these two teams faced off, Afridi picked up three wickets to set the tone for a formidable win and would be key once again.
Expected Playing XI:
Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque (WK), Shamsur Rahman, Imrul Kayes (C), Liam Dawson, Thisara Perera, Shahid Afridi, Ziaur Rahman, Mohammed Saifuddin, Wahab Riaz and Mahedi Hasan Rana.