BPL 2019-20: Match 1, Chattogram Challengers vs Sylhet Thunder: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

In the previous four encounters between both the sides, Challengers have lost thrice to Sydney Thunder.

Published - 10 Dec 2019, 17:10 IST | Updated - 10 Dec 2019, 17:10 IST

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Within a year, Bangladesh Premier League hits the floors with its seventh edition. Compared to previous six editions of the tournament, this year’s edition is touted to be quite unique. All the sides taking part in the tournament have been rechristened as the BCB has done away with the franchises this time.

After a lot of deliberations, BPL will finally hit the floors on 11th December. The first match of BPL 2019-20 will be played between Chattogram Challengers and Sylhet Thunder at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The Challengers have a trio of strong local players in Mahmudullah, Imrul Kayes and Rubel Hossain.

Moreover, Challengers were also successful in acquiring Chris Gayle’s services for the second phase of the season as he is recovering from a hamstring strain. Challengers will be hoping for a much better season this year as they have finished in the top-four only once in past six seasons.

Similar to Chattogram Challengers, Sylhet Thunder also have the local players’ trio of Mohammad Mithun, Mosaddek Hossain and Nazmul Islam. Edabot Hossain is also expected to leave a mark with his bowling. Thunder also have bolstered their line-up by adding West Indies players in their arsenal.

Thunder have snapped up Sherfane Rutherford and Sheldon Cottrell. However, due to their international duty, they will have to rely on the likes of Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher and Krishmar Santokie.

In the previous four encounters between both the sides, Challengers have lost thrice to Sydney Thunder.

Pitch and Conditions

With no chances of rain, it is expected to be a perfect day for a cricket match. The temperature is expected to deviate between 25 degrees Celcius throughout the day according to Accuweather. The wicket is considered to favour the spinners. Hence, the team winning the toss will be looking forward to batting first on a spin-friendly wicket.

Team Combination

Chattogram Challengers

Imrul Kayes will be steering Challengers’ batting line-up. Despite failing in both the Tests against India, the left-hander has the potential to turn the tables in his side’s favour with his experience. The 32-year-old has gathered 2434 runs in 78 ODIs at an average of 32.02 including four tons. Rubel Hossain and Mahmudullah will also be hoping to leave their mark. Pakistan’s Imad Wasim will also be hoping to spread some magic on a spin-friendly track.

Predicted XI: Junaid Siddiqui, Imrul Kayes, Avishka Fernando, Ryan Burl, Mahmudullah, Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Imad Wasim, Rayad Emrit/Muhammad Musa, Jubair Hossain.

Sylhet Thunder

Andre Fletcher, who has delivered impressive performances in the recently-concluded Abu Dhabi T10 League, is expected to steer Thunder’s batting force. He will be assisted by youngster Mossadek Hossain. Veteran Mohammad Sami will be steering their bowling attack.

Predicted XI: Andre Fletcher, Rony Talukdar, Mohammad Mithun, Mosaddek Hossain, Jeevan Mendis, Nayeem Hasan, Sohag Gazi, Nazmul Islam Apu, Ebadot Hossain, Naveen ul Haq, Mohammad Sami/Krishmar Santokie.