Sylhet Cricket Stadium Pitch Report For FBA Vs RAN BPL 2024-25 Match 13

Jatin

Sylhet Cricket Stadium Pitch Report [Source: @AtharAliKhan97/x.com]Sylhet Cricket Stadium Pitch Report [Source: @AtharAliKhan97/x.com]

The Bangladesh Premier League 2024-25 is in full swing and Match 13 is shaping up to be a a cracking clash. Fortune Barishal is to square off with Rangpur Riders at the Sylhet International Cricket Ground on Thursday, January 9.

Both teams are buzzing with confidence after wins in their last games, and this face-off is set to sizzle.

Fortune Barishal have been on fire this season, with three wins from four matches. Their last game against Sylhet Strikers was a complete demolition job. Chasing a paltry target of 126, they wrapped up the match inside 11 overs, winning by seven wickets.

The bowlers set the tone with a fantastic effort. Jahandad Khan and Rishad Hossain picked up three wickets each, choking the Strikers and ensuring they couldn’t post a competitive score. The chase was a walk in the park. Kyle Mayers was at his brutal best, smashing an unbeaten 59 off just 26 balls, while Towhid Hridoy chipped in with a classy 48. Barishal will want another all-round show to keep climbing the table.

Rangpur Riders are having a dream season and they are placed at the top of the table with five wins from as many games. Their latest victory against Dhaka Capitals was another easy outing. Chasing a small target of 112, they cruised home in just 13.2 overs, winning by seven wickets.

Nahid Rana was the hero with the ball, grabbing three wickets and making life miserable for the Capitals’ batters. Alex Hales continued his rich vein of form with a quick-fire 44, and Khushdil Shah chipped in with a calm 27* to finish things off. With a perfect record to protect, Rangpur will be hungry for another win to stay undefeated.

Sylhet Stadium BPL Stats And Records

Criterion
Data
Matches Played33
Matches Won Batting 1st18
Matches Won Bowling 1st15
Average 1st Innings Score156.9
Average 2nd Innings Score142.8



Sylhet Stadium Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The Sylhet pitch has been a run-fest so far. Batters have had a field day, piling up the runs while bowlers, especially the pacers, have struggled once the ball loses its shine. Early movement with the new ball might offer hope for seamers, but after that, it’s all about the batters.

Spinners might find a little help in the middle overs, but don’t expect huge turn. Chasing teams have dominated this ground, winning all four games played here this season. Toss will be key, and the captain winning it will likely bowl first to keep the target in check.

Players To Watch Out For At Sylhet Stadium

Alex Hales

  • Alex Hales has been a runaway train for Rangpur Riders this season, leading the run charts with 217 runs in just five matches. Known for his fearless batting, Hales doesn’t just score runs, he scores them at a scorching pace. His strike rate of 158.39 is proof of the damage he inflicts on bowlers.
  • Earlier in the tournament, he smashed an unbeaten 113*, peppering the boundary with 10 fours and 7 sixes, a knock that set the tone for Rangpur’s dominance. With his ability to clear the ropes with ease and dominate bowlers from the get-go, Hales is a nightmare for any bowling attack. If he gets going, expect another fireworks display at Sylhet.

Tamim Iqbal

  • The veteran skipper of Fortune Barishal, Tamim Iqbal, has been the glue holding his team together at the top of the order. He’s racked up 121 runs in four games, averaging 40.33 with an impressive strike rate of 168.05. His unbeaten 86* against Durbar Rajshahi showcased his ability to pace an innings beautifully while keeping the scoreboard ticking with boundaries.
  • Tamim’s aggressive yet calculated play at the top makes him one of the most reliable openers in the tournament. His leadership adds another dimension, as he sets the tone both on and off the field. With Barishal looking to keep up their momentum, Tamim will be key to their plans.

Khushdil Shah

  • Khushdil Shah has quietly been one of Rangpur Riders’ most effective players, contributing with both bat and ball. With the bat, he’s been clinical, scoring 94 runs in three innings at an eye-popping average of 94.00 and a strike rate of 180.76. He knows how to finish games under pressure.
  • But Khushdil isn’t just about runs, his off-spin bowling has been equally impactful, picking up nine wickets at an economy of just 5.57. His ability to chip in with vital overs in the middle and his finishing skills with the bat make him a important weapon for Rangpur.