Chittagong Kings will face Khulna Tigers for Qualifier 2 on February 5 [Source: @BPLofficialT20/X.com]
The much-awaited semi-final or Qualifier 2 of BPL 2024-25 is set to take place on February 5. The high-stake affair is to be played between Chittagong Kings and Khulna Tigers and is staged at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The live-action will begin from 6 PM onwards.
Chittagong Kings
Chittagong Kings head into Qualifier 2 of BPL 2024-25 with strong momentum, having secured eight wins in the league stage to finish second on the points table. They recently outplayed Barishal in the Eliminator with a commanding 24-run victory, showcasing their depth in both batting and bowling.
However, they will be wary of Khulna Tigers, who got the better of them in their previous encounter, winning by 37 runs. Chittagong will rely on their explosive batting lineup and disciplined bowling attack to turn the tables and book their place in the final.
Khulna Tigers
Khulna Tigers enter Qualifier 2 with confidence after a dominant six-wicket victory over Dhaka in the Eliminator. With six wins in the league stage, Khulna has shown resilience throughout the tournament, bouncing back strongly after setbacks.
They will take heart from their previous encounter against Chittagong Kings, where they secured a convincing win, restricting their opponents effectively. However, they also suffered a heavy 45-run defeat in another clash, making this a high-stakes battle. With momentum on their side, Khulna will aim to replicate their past success and book a spot in the final.
CHK vs KHT: Head-To-Head In BPL
Matches | Chittagong Kings Won | Khulna Tigers Won | N/R |
---|---|---|---|
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
How will the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium pitch behave?
The conditions at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium are set to favour bowlers in the upcoming match. Recent encounters have seen low-moderate scoring matches. While batters may encounter some opportunities, they will need to exercise caution.
Pace bowlers are anticipated to take the lead, as the pitch provides little assistance to spin bowlers. Furthermore, the trend of chasing teams emerging victorious has been prevalent this season, suggesting that the winning captain at the toss is likely to opt for bowling first.
Players to watch out for in CHK vs KHT Qualifier 2
Key Players For Chittagong Kings
Aliss Islam
Aliss Islam will play a key role with his spin bowling, having taken 12 wickets in 14 matches at an economy of 6.57. His ability to control the middle overs and pick crucial wickets makes him a vital asset for Chittagong. He will look to bounce back strongly after an expensive outing in the recent match.
Shamim Hossain
Shamim Hossain has been in red-hot form, amassing 345 runs at an impressive strike rate of 162.74. His match-winning 79 off 47 balls in Qualifier 1 showcased his ability to anchor and accelerate the innings. As a power-hitter, he will be crucial in countering Khulna’s bowling attack.
Khaled Ahmed
Khaled Ahmed has been a consistent wicket-taker, claiming 19 wickets in 12 innings with a strike rate of 13.00. His four-wicket haul against Sylhet proved his ability to make breakthroughs at critical moments. With his pace and variations, he will be vital in keeping Khulna’s batters under pressure.
Key Players For Khulna Tigers
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Mehidy Hasan Miraz is a vital all-rounder for the Khulna Tigers, contributing both with the bat and ball. His three-wicket haul (3/10) in the Eliminator highlighted his ability to dismantle opposition line-ups. With 353 runs in the tournament, including a crucial 74 in the last league match, he will be key in anchoring Khulna’s innings.
Mohammad Naim
Mohammad Naim has been Khulna’s most consistent batter, scoring 492 runs at an impressive average of 44.73. His blistering 111 off 62 balls against Rangpur showcased his ability to dominate bowling attacks. As an opener, his performance in the powerplay will set the tone for Khulna’s innings in the high-pressure clash.
Nasum Ahmed
Nasum Ahmed’s disciplined left-arm spin has been crucial for Khulna, picking up 11 wickets at an economy of 7.52. His stellar 3/16 in the Eliminator proved his ability to strike in key moments. Against Chittagong’s power-hitters, his economical spells will be crucial in restricting the opposition.
Today's Match Prediction: CHK vs KHT Qualifier 2
Predicted Top Performers
Chittagong Kings: Khawaja Nafay, Shamim Hossain, Khaled Ahmed
Khulna Tigers: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Naim, Nasum Ahmed
CHK vs KHT Qualifier 2: Predicted Score
Predicted first innings score: 130-140
Predicted second innings score: 140-150
Predicted Result: The team choosing to bowl first will likely have the upper hand in this match.