BPL 2017, Match 36 Preview: Dhaka Dynamites vs Rajshahi Kings

On the brink of qualifying for the playoffs, Dhaka Dynamites stuttered badly the other day against the Comilla Victorians, which keeps them on hold. Nevertheless, they are still the hot favourites to enter the playoffs, but they currently are not in a good position to finish in the top 2 with Khulna Titans and Comilla doing a fantastic job.

Both sides have a lot at stake, a little more for the Rajshahi Kings, who have to win all their games from now on and must expect a favour from a few teams. They are two points behind the Rangpur Riders at the fifth spot and have played one game more than the Riders. This is their penultimate game of the League stages and only a miracle can pull them into the playoffs.

The Dynamites have definitely underperformed in the previous few games. All their star players are doing a decent job, especially Evin Lewis, but this is a side capable of inflicting more damage. If they are at their best, no side can match them in any department and if they can inflict a decent result against Rajshahi, the playoff spots will be 90% confirmed.

Dhaka Dynamites (Predicted XI): Shahid Afridi, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Nadif Chowdhury, Kieron Pollard, Mohammad Amir, Sunil Narine, Jahurul Islam (wk), Abu Hider Rony, Mosaddek Hossain, Evin Lewis, Mehedi Maruf

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

Focus will be on

Mohammad Amir (Dhaka)

Definitely one of the best fast bowlers around, Mohammad Amir has lit up the BPL with his excruciating piece of fast bowling. Dhaka’s bowlers have been fabulous this season, especially the spinners. With Mohammad Amir coming into the team, Abu Hider Rony has got some breathing space and the fast bowling department looks more compact.

Mustafizur Rahman (Rajshahi)

The young fast bowler Mustafizur entered the elite level with such a bang and slowly, his performances are deteriorating. He has great talent to go forward in life but is facing a difficult period currently. Rajshahi needs this lad to be at his best in the death overs to finish their final two games on a high and give themselves a chance to qualify.

Playing combinations

Dhaka Dynamites

The most explosive opening pair thus far, Sunil Narine and Evin Lewis have been outstanding. With Shahid Afridi coming in at number 3, they can make a case for being the most devastating top 3 in the world. Shakib Al Hasan, Jahurul Islam, Kieron Pollard and Mehidy Mahruf will follow the top 3 in the middle order.

Apart from the three masterclass spinners in Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, and Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Amir’s return to the side has just boosted their strength. Abu Hider Rony has been amongst the wickets and they have two decent part-timers in Mosaddek Hossain and Pollard.

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

11.73 – Afridi has the best average for a bowler this tournament.

23 – Evin Lewis struck 23 sixes in the tournament thus far, which is the highest this season.