Bangladesh Premier League 2019 Qualifier 1, Khulna Tigers vs Rajshahi Royals: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

League toppers Khulna Tigers will face Rajshahi Royals in Qualifier 1 of the 2019 Bangladesh Premier League, at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. Both teams are coming off wins in their last matches, against Dhaka Platoon (who finished fourth) and Chattogram Challengers (third), so they will start on a high.

The teams have clashed once each in this edition of the tournament and both sides have won once each. Thanks to Shoaib Malik (87 in 50 balls), the Royals had put up 189/4 in the first of these. However, Mushfiqur Rahim trumped that with a 51-ball 96, an innings that helped the Tigers win by 5 wickets.

The Royals had their revenge later in the tournament. The Tigers’ 145/9 (Shamsur Rahman 55 in 46, Andre Russell 4/37) was never going to be enough to contain the Royals, who won by 7 wickets.

The teams look more or less evenly balanced, but the Royals’ long list of all-rounders (Russell, Malik, Ravi Bopara, Alok Kapali, Afif Hossain) give them an edge.

Key players

Mushfiqur Rahim (Khulna Tigers): With his deft strokeplay, sound work behind the stumps, and general ability to handle a star-studded side, the ageless Mushfiqur has been key to the Tigers’ success this season. He needs to be at it only twice more.

Andre Russell (Rajshahi Royals): Not only does Russell strike at 176 this time, he is also the Royals’ leading wicket-taker. Add to that his athleticism, and he will come across as the Tigers’ biggest threat.

Likely XIs

Khulna Tigers: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rilee Rossouw, Mushfiqur Rahim (c & wk), Najibullah Zadran, Shamsur Rahman, Robbie Frylinck, Mohammad Amir, Shafiul Islam, Shahidul Islam, Aminul Islam.

Rajshahi Royals: Liton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Shoaib Malik, Andre Russell (c), Ravi Bopara, Alok Kapali, Farhad Reza, Taijul Islam, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammad Irfan, Abu Jayed.

Prediction

Rajshahi Royals to win and proceed to the final.