BPL 2017, Match 17 Preview: Rajshahi Kings vs Sylhet Sixers

After an entertaining first few weeks, the BPL was interrupted by rain in Dhaka, which led to the cancellation of two games. Nevertheless, Sylhet Sixers and Rajshahi Kings, both sides have no time to be concerned about all this as they have a lot of work left to do. Both sides find themselves in a slightly precarious situation as they head closer towards the halfway mark in the league.

This edition has already provided some crispy encounters and some wonderful individual renditions just add up to the tournament’s glory. Barring the rain-marred day on 15th, it has been all spectacular thus far. Things were brilliant for the Sylhet side as well, before losing two games in a row to Khulna and Dhaka.

The Rajshahi Kings are at the bottom of the table with just one win in four matches. They have plenty of match-winners on their side, but they are not finding the right combination as yet. Mushfiqur should stick with a combination to ensure the players feel trusted, just the way MS Dhoni does. It’s a big game for both side as they look to gain a much-needed momentum to their campaign.

Sylhet Sixers (Probable XI): Upul Tharanga, Tim Bresnan, Mohammad Sharif, Ross Whiteley, Nasir Hossain (c), Sabbir Rahman, Taijul Islam, Abul Hasan, Danushka Gunathilaka, Nurul Hasan (wk), Wanidu Hasaranga

Rajshahi Kings (Probable XI): Mohammad Sami, Mushfiqur Rahim (C & wk), James Franklin, Farhad Reza, Lendl Simmons, Malcolm Waller, Mominul Haque, Nihaduzzaman, Rony Talukdar, Mehidy Hasan, Kesrick Williams.

Focus will be on

Upul Tharanga (Sylhet)

The Sri Lankan limited overs captain Upul Tharanga has been Sylhet’s mainstay thus far. He also is the highest run-scorer this tournament thus far with 197 runs. The southpaw is measuring his approach brilliantly on the tracks which are turning a lot and being an Asian, he is used to playing on such pitches and needs to chip in a lot more than this.

Mushfiqur Rahim (Rajshahi)

Mushfiqur needs to promote himself up the order and take the onus upon himself. This is probably the best he can do as he’s the most experienced local player in their unit and can understand the trajectory and conditions well. If Rajshahi really need a turnaround of sorts in their campaign, Rahim needs to fire in all cylinders and play some big knocks, which can only be done by batting in the top 3.

Playing Combinations

Sylhet Sixers

Upul Tharanga and his Sri Lankan companion Danushka Gunathilaka will be opening the innings for the Sixers, with one of their main men Sabbir Rahman coming in at three. Nasir Hossain once again might bat at number 4, with Ross Whiteley, Nurul Hossain, and Wanidu Hasaranga to follow in the middle order.

Tim Bresnan’s experience will hold the key to their success as he pairs up interestingly with Nasir Hossain and Taijul Islam in the new ball department. Abul Hasan needs to perform well after having two dismal games in a row. Gunathilaka and Wanidu Hasaranga are the part-time options available for Nasir.

Rajshahi Kings

T20 specialist opener Lendl Simmons will be commencing the innings alongside Mominul Haque. With the local in-form batsman Rony Talukdar coming in at 3, their skipper might again come at number 4. James Franklin, Mehidy Hasan, Malcolm Waller, and Farhad Reza are the other prominent names in the middle-order.

Mohammad Sami and Farhad Reza have opened the bowling for them in the previous game and they might follow the suit on Friday. Kesrick Williams has failed to replicate his International form into the BPL and he needs to fire alongside his seam bowling companion James Franklin. Nihaduzzaman, Malcolm Waller and Mehidy Hasan are the other bowling options for Mushfiqur

StatAttack

197 – With 197 runs after his name, Upul Tharanga is the tournament’s top run-scorer.

5 – Taijul is Sylhet’s highest wicket-taker thus far with 5 wickets.