BPL 2019: AB de Villiers backs Rangpur Riders to qualify for the knockouts

The 2019 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) will miss the services of two marquee players, Steve Smith and David Warner, as both of them are currently nursing injuries they sustained in the same tournament. Smith, who is also serving a 12-month ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa has already undergone a surgery on his right elbow after returning home and is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks. The 32-year-old Warner’s injury is yet to be assessed.

The absence of both the players from the tournament makes Ab de Villiers’ arrival in the country even more exciting. The Pretoria-born veteran will be turning up for the Rangpur Riders who have lost their last three matches, and are in need of a win. The franchise already has Chris Gayle and Alex Hales as its star players and de Villiers arrival should make the unit look stronger.

A long T20 season for de Villiers 

“I have heard good things about the BPL,” de Villiers told the media after his arrival in Sylhet. “I have asked guys at the IPL what it’s like, and they said the quality of cricket is fantastic. It is a tournament that’s growing from strength to strength every year. I am very happy to be part of it this year.”

The former South African skipper is hopeful for the team to qualify for the knockouts even amidst dim chances.

“It is a fantastic squad when looking at the names. It is a really well-balanced team. I know the Rangpur Riders have had some success in the past. If we can get a bit of a run going towards the latter stages of the tournament, the last six games in the pool stage, hopefully, we do qualify for the knockouts.”

The 34-year-old experienced campaigner has a long T20 season ahead. After the BPL, he will be making his appearance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in February, followed by the Indian Premier League which begins on March 23. He also played South Africa’s inaugural T20 league – the Mzansi Super League (MSL) before the BPL stint.

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