BPL 2019, Match 38: Sylhet Sixers vs Rajshahi Kings - Preview and Predicted Playing XI
In the last game of the Chattogram leg, the 38th match of a very highly competitive BPL 2019 sees Sylhet Sixers take on the Rajshahi Kings. While Sylhet are all but out of play-off reckoning, Rajshahi need to win their final game to keep their hopes alive with Dhaka and Comilla in the reckoning.
Sylhet have been brilliant in their last two matches against Khulna and Rajshahi itself and have found form towards the end of the tournament with the team playing fearless cricket. Rajshahi should be wary of them on a flat pitch that could go either way on Wednesday.
Sylhet Sixers
Batting
Liton Das and Nicolas Pooran have been great for the Sixers and in spite of David Warner's injury, the Sixers have managed it quite well. Pooran has scored in excess of 300 runs while the likes of Afif, Liton and Sabbir have done well with vital contributions.
With Jason Roy's introduction to the side, the batting looks more balanced. The presence of Alok Kapali and Sohail Tanvir also adds much-needed impetus lower down the order.
Bowling
Taskin Ahmed has picked up twenty wickets this season - the highest in the BBL this season.
With Mohammed Nawaz and Sohail Tanvir also proving tough to put away, the Sylhet team have a bowling unit worth envying. Nabil Samad and Ebadat should keep their places with Sylhet winning their last few matches.
Expected Playing XI:
Liton Das(WK), Jason Roy, Afif Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Alok Kapali (C), Nicolas Pooran, Mohammed Nawaz, Sohail Tanvir, Nabil Samad, Ebadat Hossain and Taskin Ahmed.
Rajshahi Kings
Batting
The Kings erred with their decision to bat first in their previous match against Rangpur Riders. Their batting experienced a rare failure with none of their batsmen converting their starts into big ones.
Laurie Evans has been in good form while the likes of Fazle and Jonker contributing on several occasions as well. Much is expected of Soumya Sarkar who has often thrown away his promising starts at the top of the order. With this being their last match of the league phase, Sarkar's performance could be critical to their cause.
Bowling
Mustafizur Rahman and Kamrul Islam have been quite good for the Kings with Mehidy Hasan and Arafat Sunny also amongst the wickets.
Mustafizur has eleven wickets to show for his exceptional death bowling with his performance against the Sixers crucial to their play-off chances. Qais Ahmed hasn't been at his best which could see the return of Ryan Ten Doeschate or Isuru Udana.
Expected Playing XI
Soumya Sarkar, Johnson Charles(WK), Mominul Haque, Laurie Evans, Mehidy Hasan (C), Fazle Mahmud, Christiaan Jonker, Qais Ahmed, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Arafat Sunny and Mustafizur Rahman.
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