BPL 2019-20: Eliminator, Chattogram Challengers vs Dhaka Platoon: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

The 2019-20 edition of the Bangabandhu BPL is all set for the playoff stages. It gets underway with the Eliminator between Dhaka Platoon and Chattogram Challengers in the first of Monday’s doubleheader in Mirpur. Both teams would be coming on to their contest on the back of thumping defeats. But ahead of the must-win encounter, history seems to speak in favour of the Platoon.

Out of six seasons, the Platoon have played the final as many as five times with the only exception coming in 2015. On the other hand, the Challengers have won playoff matches only back in 2013 when they became the runners-up. In the round-robin stage, both sides found themselves at the top of the table. But they lost to Khulna Tigers and the Rajshahi Royals as the tournament progressed.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Mirpur has been a sporting one thus far. Though teams have racked up scores in excess of 200, the bowlers have also had their say at various stages. Batting second should be the way forward in the crunch match. The playing conditions will be hazy with the temperature around the 24 degrees Celsius mark. The humidity will mostly be in the high 40s with cold breeze around.

Team Combination

Chattogram Challengers

For the Challengers, Imrul Kayes has 405 runs at an average of 57.85 with four half-centuries. It goes without saying that a lot will depend on him. Junaid Siddiqui has 118 runs at the top of the order. Mahmudullah Riyad churned out an unbeaten 48 last time around and is in a positive mind frame.

Chris Gayle has found the going a tad tough though. Walton and Nurul Hasan are in decent rhythm as well. Mahedi Hasan Rana didn’t play the last two games and the reasons are unknown. Rubel Hossain has 16 wickets at an economy of 7.15. Mahmudullah can also roll his arms over in need.

Probable XI

Chris Gayle, Junaid Siddiqui, Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah Riyad (C), Chadwick Walton, Nurul Hasan Sohan (wk), Ziaur Rahman, Liam Plunkett, Rayad Emrit, Rubel Hossain, Nasum Ahmed

Dhaka Platoon

Mashrafe Mortaza had 14 stitches on his left-hand and has become uncertain for the next match. If he doesn’t play, Tamim Iqbal will stand in as the captain. Tamim is the Platoon’s leading run-scorer with 393 runs at an average of 43.66. Anamul Haque, his opening partner, has lost form recently.

Mominul Haque and Mahedi Hasan are in red-hot form after their previous game. Thisara Perera and Asif Ali can also wield the willow to good effect. In bowling, Mahmud and Mahedi Hasan have 21 wickets. Mahmud has been expensive though. Shadab has nine wickets at an economy of 6.50.

Probable XI

Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Haque, Anamul Haque, Jaker Ali (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Thisara Perera, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mashrafe Mortaza/Shuvagata Hom, Hasan Mahmud

Probable Top Performers

Mahmudullah – Chattogram Challengers |Tamim Iqbal– Dhaka Platoon

Broadcast Details

Online– YouTube

Match Timings – 01:00 PM IST, and 01:30 PM local time

The prediction is for Dhaka Platoon to win the match.