The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) is set to host two crucial matches in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) today. In the afternoon encounter, the top two side, Rangpur Riders and Fortune Barishal will face off, followed by the evening clash between Sylhet Strikers and Dhaka Capitals.
The first match begins at 1:30 PM, with the second game scheduled for 6:30 PM (BST).
The Riders are flying high having won all five matches so far. They boast a balanced and in-form lineup led by skipper Nurul Hasan Sohan. Key contributors include Sheikh Mehedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin and Alex Hales along with overseas stars like Iftikhar Ahmed and Curtis Campher.
Defending champions Fortune Barishal led by Tamim Iqbal, are a star-studded side featuring players like Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and Rishad Hossain. Their overseas contingent includes the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pathum Nissanka, Mohammad Nabi, Kyle Mayers and Dawid Malan. With an abundance of talent, Barishal often faces the challenge of selecting the best playing XI.
In their previous meeting, Barishal's batting lineup faltered to manage only 124 runs, which Rangpur chased down comfortably with eight wickets in hand. Barishal will be keen to avenge that defeat, while Rangpur will aim to solidify their playoff spot with another victory.
The Sylhet Strikers, yet to secure a win, will be desperate to turn their fortunes around at their home venue. Both their batting and bowling units have been inconsistent. They failed to chase 155 runs against Rangpur, couldn't defend 205 against the same side and were bowled out for a mere 125 in their last match against Barishal and conceded a seven-wicket defeat.
Players like Rony Talukdar, Zakir Hasan, Jaker Ali, Rahkeem Cornwall, George Munsey, Paul Stirling, Samiullah Shinwari and Reece Topley need to step up if the Strikers are to register their first win.
The Dhaka Capitals on the other hand, have bolstered their squad by bringing in Jason Roy and Mosaddek Hossain Saikat. However, they were bowled out for just 111 runs in their last match against Rangpur. Key players like Tanzid Tamim, Liton Das, Sabbir Rahman, Thisara Perera, Mukidul Islam Mugdho and Mustafizur Rahman have yet to deliver consistent performances.
Today's match is crucial for both the Strikers and the Capitals as they fight to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the knockout stages.
The pitch at SICS 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. Additionally, dew is expected to play a significant role under lights, favoring the team batting second in the evening match.
