Bangladesh Premier League 2019 Eliminator, Chattogram Challengers vs Dhaka Platoon: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Chattogram Challengers, third in the league, will face Dhaka Platoon, who finished fourth, for the Eliminator of the 2019 Bangladesh Premier League at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. Both teams had an opportunity to make it to Qualifier 1 going into the last day of the league phase, but defeats against runners-up Rajshahi Royals and toppers Khulna Tigers forced them to the Eliminator.

The Challengers have both clashes between the sides this season. Lendl Simmons (57 in 36) and Mahmudullah (59 in 28) had taken the Challengers to 221/4 at Chattogram. The Platoon responded well before running out steam: Mehedi Hasan Raza (4-0-23-3) led the rout as they were bowled out for 205.

Muktar Ali (4-0-18-2) and Nasum Ahmed (4-0-21-1) then restricted the Platoon to 124/9 at Mirpur before Imrul Kayes (54* in 53) guided the Challengers to a 6-wicket win.

Given the form the two teams are in, the Challengers hold an advantage despite this being the Platoon’s home match.

Key players

Mehedi Hasan Rana (Chattogram Challengers): With 17 wickets at 6.96 an over, the uncapped Rana has demonstrated how fast bowlers can succeed on pitches and in a format that is not expected to support them. Watch out for some pace.

Mashrafe Mortaza (Dhaka Platoon): If it has to do with Bangladesh, can you keep Mortaza out of action? Canny variations, big hitting, astute, inspiring leadership – everything about Mortaza has been on display this time.

Likely XIs

Chattogram Challengers: Chris Gayle, Junaid Siddique, Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah (c), Chadwick Walton, Nurul Hasan (wk), Ziaur Rahman, Liam Plunkett, Rayad Emrit, Rubel Hossain, Nasum Ahmed.

Dhaka Platoon: Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Islam, Anamul Haque (wk), Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Thisara Perera, Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Hasan Mahmud.

Prediction

Chattogram Challengers to knock Dhaka Platoon out and move to Qualifier 2.