The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) is set to host two thrilling encounters in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) today. Sylhet Strikers will face Rangpur Riders in the day match, while Fortune Barishal will lock horns with Durbar Rajshahi in the evening clash.
The first match begins at 1:30 PM, followed by the second game at 6:30 PM (BST).
The Sylhet Strikers, the hosts, are eager to avenge their 34-run loss to Rangpur Riders in the Dhaka phase. Currently undefeated with three wins, Riders are riding high on confidence and will aim to maintain their dominance.
For the Strikers, batters Rony Talukdar, Zakir Hasan and Jaker Ali need to build on their starts from the previous game. Overseas players George Munsey, Paul Stirling, Samiullah Shinwari and Reece Topley have yet to deliver impactful performances and Rahkeem Cornwall may replace Topley or Shinwari in the playing XI.
On the other hand, Riders boast a balanced and in-form lineup. Key players include skipper Nurul Hasan Sohan, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Soumya Sarkar and Alex Hales, complemented by overseas stars like Iftikhar Ahmed and Curtis Campher. Strikers will need exceptional performances across all three departments to overcome the Riders' strength.
The defending champions Fortune Barishal led by Tamim Iqbal, are looking to regain their winning touch. Barishal started their campaign with an impressive 198-run chase against Rajshahi but faltered in their second game suffering an eight-wicket defeat to the Riders.
Barishal's star-studded lineup includes Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Rishad Hossain and overseas talents like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pathum Nissanka, Mohammad Nabi, Kyle Mayers and Dawid Malan. With an array of options, Barishal will aim to bounce back and consolidate their position in the tournament.
Durbar Rajshahi captained by Anamul Haque Bijoy, are also seeking redemption after their loss to Barishal in the tournament opener. Yasir Ali, Mohammad Haris and Akbar Ali will be crucial in the batting order, while the team's fortunes heavily rely on their all-rounders Jishan Alam, Rayan Burl and Lahiru Samarakoon, who have struggled for form. Bowling remains Rajshahi's primary strength spearheaded by Taskin Ahmed, with support from Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Sunzamul Islam and SM Meherob.
The SICS pitch is known to assist spinners, especially in the latter half of the game. The surface tends to slow down making strokeplay challenging as the match progresses. Dew is expected to play a significant role under lights favoring the team batting second in the evening match.
