BPL 2017, Match 27 Preview: Comilla Victorians v Rajshahi Kings

Comilla Victorians, without a shadow of a doubt, have been the most consistent side this season registering 5 wins in the six games they played. Their sensational winning run has kept the likes of Dhaka Dynamites and Khulna Titans behind and certainly, the Comilla franchise is on course for a second BPL title if things progress this way.

Currently, Khulna Titans are ahead of the Comilla side by one point and have taken the number one spot in the league thanks to their massive win the other day. But the tables might turn soon as the Titans have played two matches more than the Victorians and the latter are ahead in various aspects of the game.

Darren Sammy’s Rajshahi Kings are currently placed at the bottom of the table. It has been a dismal season for them as both batting and bowling departments failed to do anything significant. There is still a mathematical chance of making it to the playoffs, for which they have to win all of their five games coming up. Having said that, on paper, this match looks quite a one-sided contest and Victorians should see them off and get back to the top.

Toss: Rajshahi Kings won the toss and opted to bat

Rajshahi Kings (Playing XI): Dwayne Smith, Mominul Haque, Luke Wright, Zakir Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), James Franklin, Darren Sammy(c), Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Sami, Mustafizur Rahman, Hossain Ali

Comilla Victorians (Playing XI): Tamim Iqbal(c), Fakhar Zaman, Imrul Kayes, Shoaib Malik, Alok Kapali, Jos Buttler(w), Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Rashid Khan, Hasan Ali, Al-Amin Hossain

Focus will be on

Jos Buttler (Comilla)

Jos Buttler is definitely one of the best batters in the shortest format of the game. His explosive approach is quite a threat to any side in the world. Thus far in the League, he has managed to amass 156 runs in six games and has played a couple of match-winning knocks. If the Victorians are to see off their opponents easily, Buttler will have to fire at the fullest of his capablities.

Dwayne Smith (Rajshahi)

Dwayne Smith brings in loads of experience with him and for that sole reason, he is quite an asset for any T20 side. When he is in full flow, not many can get as explosive as this individual and the moment a bowler strays off the line, he’ll punish him big time. He’s strong and can clear the ropes with ease, a perfect person to have at the top of the order for any side.

Playing Combinations

Comilla Victorians

In the game against the Dynamites, Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das opened the innings, which will continue on Saturday. With the in-form Imrul Kayes coming in at number 3, they have loads of experience in their middle order, which comprises of big names like Shoaib Malik, Jos Buttler, Darren Bravo, and Mohammad Saifuddin.

Hasan Ali was the star last time, picking up a crucial five-fer. He will be accompanied by some stellar fast bowling talents like Saifuddin and Al-Amin Hossain. They used all their three spinners judiciously last time and Malik, Rashid Khan and Mahedi Hasan will come in to play very early in the game one again.

Rajshahi Kings

Mominul Haque finally found some form this season in the previous game and accompanying him at the top is Dwayne Smith. With the experienced Daniel Bell-Brummond at number 3, they have some decent batsmen in the middle like Zakir Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Darren Sammy, and James Franklin.

Pakistani stalwart Mohammad Sami will open the bowling attack with the local superstar Mehidy Hasan or Hossain Ali. Naeem Islam Jr is another option they have in the spin department. James Franklin and Dwayne Smith are the other options available for Sammy and he himself can take the ball if he wishes.

StatAttack

201 – Imrul Kayes is the only player in both these sides with over 200 runs this season