Sylhet Sixers v Dhaka Dynamites, BPL Match 1 - Result Predictions

The fifth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has garnered worldwide interest, with fans eagerly waiting for the tournament to kick off. The league boasts of hosting some of the big shots of the game this time around, including the likes of Kumar Sangakkara and Misbah-ul-Haq.

BPL, for the season 2017-18, is all set to begin its proceedings on November 4 with the first match scheduled to be played between Sylhet Sixers (SS) and Dhaka Dynamites (DD) at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet. Both the teams will look to embark on winning ways from the get-go.

Here is what CricTracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: SS wins the toss

Toss Prediction: SS will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 170-180

Result prediction: DD will win the match by 20-30 runs

Scenario 2: DD wins the toss

Toss Prediction: DD will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 120-130

Result prediction: DD will win the match by 7 wickets

Head to Head Record

Total matches played – 6, DD won – 4,  SS won – 2, No result/ Tied – 0

With the new rule of 5 international players being included in the playing squad coming into effect in BPL 5, both teams will have to make some adjustments to get their team balance just right. The onus will especially be on Dhaka Dynamites, who have a wide array of players to choose from.

Sylhet Sixers, on the other hand, are a relatively young side and will look to turn their exuberance into a winning quotient. Both teams will look to begin their quest for the trophy with a flourish and the first match can thus be expected to offer quality cricketing action.

Playing Combinations:

Sylhet Sixers

Coming back into the tournament after a year-long hiatus, Sylhet Sixers will look to make a strong statement from the very beginning of the tournament. Young Sabbir Rahman will be leading his men on the field and is expected to be assisted in his batting exploits by the feisty Windies batsman, Andre Fletcher. The batting order is likely to be supplemented by Nasir Hossain.

The middle-order may be ably strengthened by the presence of the explosive batting power possessed by Wanidu Hasaranga and all-rounder, Dasun Shanaka. The wicketkeeping gloves will be donned by Nurul Hasan, followed by the pace battery in the form of Liam Plunkett from England, Kamrul Islam Rabbi and Krishmar Santokie. The spin department is most likely to be handled by Shuvagata Hom and Taijul Islam.

Predicted XI: Andre Fletcher, Sabbir Rahman(C), Nasir Hossain, Wanidu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Nurul Hasan (WK), Liam Plunkett, Krishmar Santokie, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Shuvagata Hom, Taijul Islam.

Dhaka Dynamites

Dhaka Dynamites will be stepping into BPL 5 as clear favourites. Armed with a star-studded squad, the decision makers of the team will have a tough time in picking out the playing XI. The opening duo is most likely to be the left-handed pair of Evin Lewis and the legendary Kumar Sangakkara, followed by the skipper, Shakib Al Hasan himself.

‘Boom Boom’ Afridi will be the pillar in the middle-order, assisted by Mehedi Maruf and all-rounders, Kevon Cooper and Mosaddek Hossain. The bowling department can be cemented together by the Bangladeshi trio of Khaled Ahmed, Abu Hider Rony and Mohammad Shahid, along with the spin genius of Sunil Narine.

Predicted XI: Evin Lewis, Kumar Sangakkara (WK), Shakib Al Hasan (C), Shahid Afridi, Mehedi Maruf, Kevon Cooper, Mosaddek Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Abu Hider Rony, Mohammad Shahid, Sunil Narine.

The prediction is for Dhaka Dynamites to kick off the tournament on a high and win the first match of the championship.

Do let us know your predictions in the comments section below.