BPL 2019-20: Match 9, Khulna Tigers vs Rajshahi Royals: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

A victory for the Tigers is most likely to take them to the top of the points table, toppling the Royals.

Published - 16 Dec 2019, 15:37 IST | Updated - 16 Dec 2019, 15:37 IST

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After the Dhaka leg, the Bangabandhu BPL moves to Chattogram where 12 matches will be played. Khulna Tigers and Rajshahi Royals will lock horns in the first of Tuesday’s doubleheader at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Both teams are the only two unbeaten sides in the T20 tournament. But, the Tigers have the best net run rate of +3.354 after their win over Chattogram Challengers.

A victory in their next match is most likely to take them to the top of the points table. The Royals won’t be easy prospect though as Andre Russell’s men are the current table-toppers. They rolled over Dhaka Platoon and Sylhet Thunder without dropping much sweat and are looking in excellent rhythm. Both sides have outplayed their opponents from all the departments in the previous games.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Chattogram has historically been in favour of the batting team. Scores around the 180 mark was pretty much a norm in the last edition of the BPL. Both Khulna and Rajshahi have won while chasing and hence, batting second should be the way forward for them. There are no chances of rain with the temperature around the 26 degrees Celsius mark. The humidity will be in the 40s and 50s.

Team Combination

Khulna Tigers

Rahmanullah Gurbaz has shown the damage he can inflict in the powerplay with a whirlwind 19-ball 50 versus the Challengers. Rilee Russouw also brought all his experience into play in the same match with an unbeaten 64. Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim finished the formalities, remaining unbeaten on 28.

The next match is a chance for Najmul Hossain to make amends after he managed only four last time around. Miraz didn’t bowl in the last game and it will be interesting to see how the captain uses him. Frylinck and Amir will hold the key in the pace department. Biplob and Shafiul’s role will also be crucial.

Probable XI

Najmul Hossain Shanto, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rilee Russouw, Mushfiqur Rahim (C & WK), Shamsur Rahman, Robbie Frylinck, Aminul Islam Biplob, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Amir, Shafiul Islam, Shahidul Islam

Rajshahi Royals

Liton Das has been the Royals’ standout batsman thus far, having scored 39 and 44* at a strike-rate of 156.60. Against a potent Tigers’ attack, he will again hold the key. His opening partner Hazratullah Zazai started with an impressive 56* versus the Platoons, but then got a duck against the Thunder.

Afif Hossain and Shoaib Malik have looked reasonable in their brief stints in the middle. The likes of Russell and Ravi Bopara add more firepower to their batting. Bopara has been excellent with the ball, getting three wickets. Alok Kapali, Russell and Reza have economy rates less than six per over.

Probable XI

Hazratullah Zazai, Liton Das (wk), Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Shoaib Malik, Andre Russell, Ravi Bopara, Alok Kapali, Abu Jayed Rahi, Taijul Islam, Farhad Reza, Minhajul Abedin Afridi