Durbar Rajshahi to face Chittagong Kings in BPL 2024-25 [Source: @kaustats/X.com, @bplt20officialbd/Instagram]
Bangladesh Premier League 2024-25 season will host an important clash between Durbar Rajshahi and Chittagong Kings on January 3, 2025. The matchup will be held at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka from 1.30 PM IST.
Durbar Rajshahi
Durbar Rajshahi opened their points tally with an important victory against Dhaka Capitals. Chasing 175, Anamul Haque and Ryan Burl posted a 100-run partnership to seal a 7-wicket victory with 11 balls to spare. With the ball, Taskin Ahmed made waves with a seven-wicket-haul in his four overs spell.
Needless to say, Rajshahi have found their groove. The collective performance from both departments was crucial, and with the winning momentum in hand, Durbar Rajshahi will fight hard in the upcoming game.
Chittagong Kings
Chittagong Kings, meanwhile, dropped to the bottom of the points table with a 37-run defeat in their tournament opener against Khulna Tigers. The latter posted a mammoth total of 203 runs on the board batting first. In the chase, Shamim Hossain fought a lone battle of 78 off 38 balls as his team let him down.
The Kings were bowled out for 166 runs, 37 runs short of the target. That being said, Chittagong Kings needs to pick up pace if they wish to finish in the playoffs. Such early setbacks, though not alarming, could negatively impact the mindset and confidence of the team. Hence, in the upcoming game, the Kings will be required to put their best foot forward.
How will the Sher-e-Bangla Pitch Behave?
The pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium promises an engaging battle between bat and ball. Traditionally a slightly slower track, it offers assistance to spinners without causing dramatic variations in bounce. This means spinners may play a crucial role, especially in the middle overs.
On the other hand, batters who apply themselves can still capitalise, as the surface is expected to provide a fair amount of stability. With average scores likely to hover around the 160-180 range, teams will aim for a balanced approach. The team winning the toss will likely opt to chase on this wicket.
DBR vs CHK: Players to watch out for
Durbar Rajshahi
Anamul Haque: Haque has showcased remarkable form this BPL season, scoring 138 runs in just two matches. His standout performance came against the Dhaka Capitals, where he delivered a match-winning knock of 73 runs. Hence, his ability to anchor the innings under pressure will be pivotal for his team's success.
Taskin Ahmed: Taskin Ahmed has emerged as the bowling spearhead, claiming 10 wickets with consistent precision. He can provide early breakthroughs and break the opposition's momentum, which makes him an indispensable asset to the bowling attack. Taskin's contributions have been instrumental in his team's dominance so far.
Ryan Burl: Ryan Burl scored a fifty in the previous game and showed a lot of promise. He can anchor innings and play a good supporting role. Hence, Burl will be a player who will watch out for Durbar Rajshahi.
Mohammad Haris: The Pakistani opener is experienced and a key asset for Rajshahi. Though he has not lived up to his potential this season so far, he can cause destruction in the powerplay, which makes him a player to watch for in the upcoming game.
Chittagong Kings
Shamim Hossain: He has been the standout performer for the Kings, scoring a resilient 78 runs in a spirited effort against the Tigers. His quickfire knock, coming off just 38 balls, highlighted his ability to dominate bowlers with aggressive stroke play.
Aliss Al Islam: He is a promising talent and picked up 2 wickets in the tournament so far. Islam's economical spells makes him a standout player for the Kings. Given his talent and recent form, Ismal has an opportunity to make an impact against the Durbar Rajshahi.
Haider Ali: Haider Ali is coming off a successful domestic season where he scored multiple half centuries. His consistency reflects Haider Ali's significant contributions and his potential to be a key player for the Kings.
Mohammad Mithun: The captain hasn't been in the best touch lately, but his experience speaks volumes. On his day, Mithun can trash any bowling unit, and hence, he will be a player to watch out for in the upcoming game against Rajshahi.
Today's Match Prediction: DBR vs CHK
Predicted Top Performers
Durbar Rajshahi– Anamul Haque, Taskin Ahmed, Ryan Burl
Chittagong Kings – Mohammad Mithun, Shamim Hossain, Haider Ali
DBR vs CHK: Predicted Score
Predicted first innings score: 170-180
Predicted second innings score: 180-185