BPL 2019, Match 41: Comilla Victorians vs Rangpur Riders - Preview and Predicted Playing XI

With the last league stage double header set to be held on Saturday, the first match pits the top two teams, Comilla Victorians and Rangpur Riders up against each other in what promises to be a highly competitive encounter between the two. While the Victorians have blown away opponents with their incisive bowling and explosive batting, the Riders have out-batted opponents with the likes of Rilee Russouw and Alex Hales scoring heavily in recent matches. With either team scoring in excess of 230 this season in Chattagram, this match is sure to be a cracker.

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Comilla Victorians

Batting:

Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes have been decent with the bat while the likes of Shamsur Rahman have exceeded expectations with more than 200 runs to his name already. Much is expected of their star players, Tamim Iqbal who has 271 runs to his name so far this season. Comilla are blessed to have a tremendous depth in batting with Mohammed Saifuddin slated to bat at number eight. Thisara Perera is key for the Victorians with his batting prowess known to one and all.

Bowling:

The bowling has been the stronger suit for the Victorians with the likes of Afridi and Saifuddin taking wickets at regular intervals in most matches. Youngster, Mahedi Hasan has also been impressive for the Victorians who have the luxury of Thisara Perera as their sixth bowler. Against a rampant Rangpur batting, early wickets will be key to dethroning them at the top of the table.

Expected Playing XI:

Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque (WK), Shamsur Rahman, Imrul Kayes (C), Liam Dawson, Shahid Afridi, Thisara Perera, Mohammed Saifuddin, Wahab Riaz, Ziaur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan.

Rangpur Riders

Batting:

Rangpur, in recent games, has blown away oppositions at will with Alex Hales, Rilee Russouw and AB de Villiers scoring hundreds in the Chattogram leg. Rilee Russouw is the current leader in the run-scoring department with an astonishing 514 runs to his name. Alex Hales and AB de Villiers have scored freely over the past few weeks and with a certain Chris Gayle waiting around the corner, who would want to face the Riders. Mohammed Mithun has also impressed many with his handy cameos so far and has brought much-needed balance to the side as well

Bowling:

Captain, Mashrafe Mortaza has been sensational with the ball along with Farhad Reza picking 17 wickets each in the eleven matches played this season. While Mortaza has dented teams in the powerplay, Reza's strikes in the middle overs have often caused havoc in opposition ranks. They have been ably supported by Nazmul Islam, who has been decent with his efforts on the field. With the likes of Tamim and Imrul ahead of them, Mashrafe and co have to bring their A-Game on Saturday.

Expected Playing XI:

Alex Hales, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Rilee Rossouw, Mohammed Mithun (WK), Nahidul Islam, Farhad Reza, Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Shahidul Islam, Nazmul Islam and Abul Hasan/Shafiul Islam.