BPL 2019, Qualifier 2: Rangpur Riders vs Dhaka Dynamites - Preview and Predicted Playing XI
The beauty of a tournament such as the Bangladesh Premier League is the fact that the top two teams get two opportunities to make it to the final due to their brilliance in their league stage.
Rangpur Riders were rampant in the league stage with AB de Villiers and Alex Hales blasting centuries over Dhaka and Chittagong. But without two out of their fearsome four, Rangpur are in grave danger of exiting the competition as they take on a resilient Dhaka Dynamites side buoyed by recent form and home support.
Sunil Narine's brilliance has shone over the past week with Dhaka blowing away oppositions within the powerplay, which Mashrafe Mortaza would be keen to avoid as both of them are set to face off on Wednesday. With a place in the final at stakes, both teams ought to put in their best performances as they seek for glory.
Rangpur Riders:
Batting:
With the absence of Alex Hales and AB de Villiers, Rangpur's batting doesn't radiate the same confidence it used to but should take solace from Chris Gayle's improved form over the last few games. Benny Howell also played a blistering knock to take them to a competitive score in the Qualifier on Monday but in vain.
The likes of Mehedi Maruf and Mohammed Mithun need to put in better performances if Rangpur are to keep their hopes alive. Rilee Russouw currently leads the run-scoring charts for this year and more of the same is expected of the South African.
Bowling:
Shafiul Islam's return bolsters their attack with Mashrafe Mortaza and Farhad Reza doing admirably in his absence. All three pacers have picked up fifteen or more wickets making them one of the most potent bowling line-ups in the league.
Benny Howell and Ravi Bopara are capable of chipping in with their canny medium pacers which can be lethal on a pitch like that in Dhaka. The key would be to strike early with Sunil Narine and Upul Tharanga in good form at the top.
Expected Playing XI:
Chris Gayle, Mehedi Maruf, Mohammed Mithun(WK), Rilee Russouw, Benny Howell, Ravi Bopara, Ferhad Reza, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Shafiul Islam, Sohag Gazi and Nahidul Islam
Dhaka Dynamites
Batting:
Shakib Al Hasan is the cornerstone of the Dhaka side with vital contributions with both bat and ball. Along with the Bangladesh all-rounder, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell have also played their part to perfection. All three of them have scored in excess of 250 runs this season proving their class and expertise when necessary.
Upul Tharanga has been brilliant in the last two matches helping Dhaka to a fast start in relatively small chases in both matches. Against a good bowling line-up, he is key for Dhaka.
Bowling:
The trio of Shakib, Rubel and Narine have been at their best this season with 21,17 and 18 wickets respectively. With their incredible bowling prowess on show, the likes of Andre Russell, Shuvagata Hom and Qazi Onik has also been good with Russell opening with the ball as well as closing out in the death overs. With the destruction of Gayle looming large, Russell and co need to bring their A-Game if they are to stride forward to the final.
Expected Playing XI:
Sunil Narine, Upul Tharanga, Rony Talukdar, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Nurul Hasan (WK), Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Shuvagata Hom, Rubel Hossain, Mahmudul and Qazi Onik.