Durbar Rajshahi vs Chittagong Kings: The 28th match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024/25 season will see Durbar Rajshahi take on Chittagong Kings at Chattogram on January 20, 2025. Durbar Rajshahi, currently in the fourth spot with 6 points, will look to bounce back, while Chittagong Kings, sitting third with 8 points, aim to secure a victory and improve their standing.

Match Details

Head-to-Head Rivalry

Pitch Conditions

The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram offers a pitch that tends to be dry and spinner-friendly, especially in T20 matches. The average first innings score at this venue is approximately 145 runs, decreasing to around 123 runs in the second innings.

This indicates that batting becomes more challenging as the match progresses, with spinners playing a crucial role in the middle overs. Batsmen may need to apply themselves to build substantial innings on this surface.

Boundaries

The stadium features standard boundary dimensions, requiring batsmen to rely on timing and placement rather than brute force to accumulate runs. The outfield is generally well-maintained, allowing for quick runs if the ball finds the gaps.

Weather Conditions

On January 20, 2025, Chattogram is expected to experience clear skies with a high of 81°F (27°C) and a low of 58°F (14°C). Humidity levels are anticipated to be around 64%, with minimal chances of rain.

These conditions are ideal for cricket, ensuring an uninterrupted match.

Toss Impact

Teams winning the toss might prefer to bat first, considering the pitch’s tendency to slow down in the second innings. Setting a target around 150 runs could be competitive, given the average first innings score of 145 at this venue.

Spinners are likely to be more effective as the game progresses, making chasing a challenging prospect.

Key Pitch Insights

• For Batters: It’s essential to build partnerships and focus on rotating the strike, especially against spinners. Power-hitting might be more effective in the initial overs before the pitch deteriorates.
• For Bowlers: Spinners should exploit the dry nature of the pitch by varying their pace and flight. Seamers can benefit from bowling cutters and slower deliveries to utilize any grip offered by the surface.

Probable Playing XIs for DBR vs KHT

Durbar Rajshahi (DBR)

• Jishan Alam
• Mohammad Haris
• Anamul Haque (captain)
• Yasir Ali
• Ryan Burl
• Akbar Ali (wicketkeeper)
• Taskin Ahmed
• Mark Deyal
• Sunzamul Islam
• Mrittunjoy Chowdhury
• Aftab Alam

Chittagong Kings (KHT)

• Parvez Hossain Emon
• Usman Khan
• Graham Clark
• Shamim Hossain
• Mohammad Mithun (captain & wicketkeeper)
• Mohammad Wasim Jr
• Arafat Sunny
• Binura Fernando
• Aliss Al Islam
• Naeem Islam
• Maruf Mridha

Probable Best Players of the Match

Durbar Rajshahi (DBR)

• Best Batter: Yasir Ali
  Reason: Yasir Ali has been a key figure in Durbar Rajshahi’s batting lineup, with 246 runs in his last 7 matches at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 160.78. His ability to build partnerships and accelerate the scoring makes him a dangerous asset for the team.
• Best Bowler: Taskin Ahmed
  Reason: Taskin Ahmed has been outstanding with the ball, claiming 16 wickets in his last 7 matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.37. His wicket-taking ability and discipline in the death overs make him a crucial player for Durbar Rajshahi.

Chittagong Kings (CHK)

• Best Batter: Usman Khan
  Reason: Usman Khan has been in excellent form, accumulating 278 runs in his last 7 matches at an average of 39.71 and a strike rate of 167.46. His aggressive approach and ability to take on the bowlers make him a key player for the Kings.
• Best Bowler: Al Islam
  Reason: Al Islam has been the standout bowler for Chittagong Kings, picking up 11 wickets in his last 7 matches at an economy rate of 6.7. His consistency in taking wickets at crucial moments makes him the go-to bowler for the Kings.

Session Predictions & Tips

• First Innings Powerplay (Overs 1-6):
  • Expected Runs: 40-50
  • Wickets: 1-2
  • Conditions: The pitch at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium generally offers good bounce and carry, allowing batsmen to play their shots freely in the initial overs.
• First 10 Overs:
  • Expected Runs: 80-90
  • Insights: A solid start in the first 10 overs is crucial for setting up a competitive total, especially considering the venue’s batting-friendly nature.
• Death Overs (Overs 16-20):
  • Expected Runs: 55-65
  • Strategy: The latter part of the innings is ideal for aggressive batting, with shorter boundaries aiding in maximizing the scoring rate.

Match Prediction:

• Scenario 1: Dhaka Capitals Bat First
  • Projected Score: 140-150 runs. Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das are expected to anchor the innings. The team will aim to set a competitive total, leveraging their batting depth.
• Scenario 2: Sylhet Strikers Bat First
  • Projected Score: 150-160 runs. Zakir Hasan and Rony Talukdar are anticipated to provide a solid foundation. The team will look to capitalize on the favorable batting conditions to set a challenging target.

• Powerplay Predictions:

  • Durbar Rajshahi: Expected to score 40-45 runs for the loss of 1-2 wickets in the first six overs.
  • Sylhet Strikers: Anticipated to accumulate 45-50 runs with the loss of 1-2 wickets during the powerplay.

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