Match Details
Date: 13 January 2023
Time: 6:30 PM IST
Venue: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Live Scores: SportsTiger App
Preview
Khulna Tigers have not got the best start in this edition of BPL as they have lost both of their games so far. While they were handed a defeat by Dhaka Dominators in their opening fixture, the Tigers lost to Chattogram Challengers in their second game. On the other hand, Rangpur Riders have managed to win one of the two matches played so far. Now, it is to be seen if they manage to register their second win of the season or if Khulna Tigers open their account on Friday.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium is a tad better than the Dhaka pitch as it provides the right balance between the bat and the ball. While bowlers, especially pacers can capitalize on the assistance early on, batters can take their time and unleash big shots once settled.
Team Analysis
Khulna Tigers
Khulna Tigers have a great squad with Yasir Ali at the helm. Tamim Iqbal, Sharjeel Khan, Sabbir Rahman, and Azam Khan are there to make a formidable batting lineup. Azam Khan, in particular, showed his class and temperament in the Tigers’ last match, against Chattogram Challengers. The young batter scored a blistering century (109* off 58) to power his team to a big total. Although the Tigers lost the match as Usman Khan outshone Azam, they put on a good performance.
SportsTiger Playing XI of Khulna Tigers
Tamim Iqbal, Sharjeel Khan, Azam Khan (wk), Yasir Ali (c), Mohammad Saifuddin, Sabbir Rahman, Nahidul Islam, Wahab Riaz, Habibur Rahman, Paul van Meekeren, Nasum Ahmed
Rangpur Riders
After starting the season with a win, Rangpur Riders lost the plot in their second match, against Fortune Barishal. Shoaib Malik and Rony Talukdar put on decent batting performances. While Malik scored a quickfire half-century (54* off 36), Talukdar too scored a 28-ball 40. On the back of these two batting performances, the Riders put on 158/7 in their 20 overs and had a chance to make a game out of it. However, their bowlers could not do much as the opposition chased the target easily. Apart from Sikandar Raza and Rakibul Hasan, no other bowler could trouble the opposition batters.
SportsTiger Playing XI of Rangpur Riders
Mohammad Naim, Rony Talukdar, Shoaib Malik, Sikandar Raza, Nurul Hasan (c & wk), Benny Howell, Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Robiul Haque, Rakibul Hasan, Azmatullah Omarzai
Match Prediction
Conclusion
Khulna Tigers have got some really good players in their squad and they also put on a decent performance in their last game. Meanwhile, Rangpur Riders lack the experience required. Therefore, the Tigers are expected to win on Friday.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.