BPL 2019, Match 4, Khulna Titans vs Rangpur Riders, Match Prediction: Who will win the Match?

In the previous edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Khulna Titans bowed out of the tournament courtesy of a defeat against champions Rangpur Riders in the Eliminator. The team, captained by all-round cricketer Mahmudullah, would wish to avenge the defeat when they cross swords with Mashrafe Mortaza’s men in their first match at Sher-E-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

They are also yet to get their hands on the coveted trophy and would want to start on a winning note. On the contrary, the Riders, the defending champions, wouldn’t be happy with their beginning in the T20 extravaganza. Their batters put forth a horrendous batting performance against Chittagong Vikings, albeit their bowlers fought tooth and nail and managed to take the game down to the last over.

Pitch and Conditions

In the opening day of the T20 tournament, the pitch at the venue turned out to be batting friendly under the floodlights and with dew settling in late in the day, the team batting second is expected to have the advantage. Bowlers will have to work out of their skins to taste success. In that scenario, it won’t spring a surprise if the teams opt to field first after winning the toss.

Team Combination

Khulna Titans

Nazmul Hossain and Junaid Siddique are the opening batsmen with the experienced Brendan Taylor coming at number three followed by English batsman Dawid Malan. Skipper Mahmudullah, Ariful Haque, David Wiese and Carlos Brathwaite are the all-rounders. Right-armer Al Amin Hossain is the specialist fast bowler. Taijul Islam and Tanvir Islam are the left-arm spinners in the lineup.

Probable XI

Nazmul Hossain, Junaid Siddique, Brendan Taylor (wk), Dawid Malan, Mahmudullah (C), Carlos Brathwaite, Ariful Haque, David Wiese, Al-Amin Hossain, Taijul Islam, Tanvir Islam

Rangpur Riders

The Riders may draft in Chris Gayle in place of Rilee Rossouw. The Windies batter would open with Mehedi Maruf. Alex Hales may bat at number three in that scenario followed by Mohammad Mithun. A lot would depend on the all-round capabilities of Benny Howell and Ravi Bopara. Skipper Mashrafe and Shafiul Islam are the fast bowlers with Sohag Gazi and Nazmul Islam Apu being the tweakers.

Probable XI

Mehedi Maruf, Chris Gayle, Alex Hales, Mohammad Mithun (wk), Ravi Bopara, Benny Howell, Farhad Reza, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Sohag Gazi, Nazmul Islam, Shafiul Islam

Probable Top Performance

Mahmudullah – Khulna Titans | Alex Hales – Rangpur Riders

Broadcast Details

TV – DSport

Live Streaming – Youtube

Match Timings – 16:50 IST; 17:20 local

The prediction is for the team batting second to win the match.