Date: January 22, 2025
Time: 07:30 AM (UTC)
Venue: Likely to be played at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (Chattogram) or Shere Bangla National Stadium (Dhaka)
Competition: Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)
Team Analysis
Dhaka Dominators (DD) Preview
The Dhaka Dominators have struggled to make a strong impact in recent seasons, but they have the potential to surprise. They will need key players to step up to make a mark in this match.
Key Players:
- Shakib Al Hasan (c): The world-class all-rounder will be the focal point of the Dhaka Dominators’ plans. His ability with both bat and ball can turn the game in his team’s favor.
- Mohammad Naim: As an aggressive opener, Naim can provide the necessary start for Dhaka and is capable of taking on the bowlers in the powerplay.
- Nasir Hossain: Another experienced campaigner who will be crucial in the middle order. He can accelerate when needed and is also handy with the ball.
- Rubel Hossain: A key bowler in the powerplay and death overs. His pace can be a threat, particularly if the pitch favors seam bowling.
Strengths:
- All-round Balance: With Shakib, Naim, and Nasir, Dhaka has the ability to compete in both departments.
- Spin Options: Shakib and Arafat Sunny give Dhaka a strong spin attack that can cause trouble, especially in the middle overs.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent Batting: While they have some good players, the middle-order can be vulnerable under pressure.
- Bowling Depth: If their bowlers don’t perform, Dhaka could struggle to defend a total or chase down a big score.
Chattogram Challengers (CC) Preview
The Chattogram Challengers are a strong side in the BPL and have the potential to dominate games with their explosive batting and skilled bowling attack.
Key Players:
- Chris Gayle: The legendary T20 batsman is always a threat at the top of the order. If Gayle gets going, he can single-handedly take the game away from the opposition.
- Mushfiqur Rahim: A reliable wicketkeeper-batsman, Mushfiqur can anchor the innings and also provide acceleration in the middle overs.
- Mahmudullah Riyad (c): Another experienced all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. He will be a key player in guiding the team through difficult situations.
- Mustafizur Rahman: The left-arm pacer is one of the best death bowlers in the world. His skills in the final overs will be crucial for Chattogram.
Strengths:
- Explosive Batting: With Gayle and Liton Das in the top order, the Challengers have a potent batting lineup capable of chasing or setting huge targets.
- Death Bowling: Mustafizur is one of the best at executing yorkers in the death overs, which gives Chattogram an advantage in close games.
Weaknesses:
- Top-order Dependency: If Gayle or Liton falls early, Chattogram can sometimes struggle to maintain momentum in the middle overs.
- Pressure on Middle Order: Players like Shamsur Rahman and Zakir Hasan will need to step up if the top order collapses.
Key Factors to Watch
- Top Order Performance: The opening partnerships will be crucial for both teams. Chris Gayle and Liton Das will need to fire for Chattogram, while Mohammad Naim and Shakib Al Hasan will hold the key for Dhaka.
- Spin Battle: Both teams have quality spinners (Shakib, Sunny, and Mahmudullah for Dhaka; Rashid Khan for Chattogram). The battle in the middle overs could be pivotal in determining which team gets on top.
- Death Bowling: With players like Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain, the death overs could be a game-changing phase. The team that handles the final overs better will have the advantage.
- All-rounder Impact: Both teams are heavily reliant on their all-rounders. Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, and Nasir Hossain are crucial in the middle phases of the game, contributing with both bat and ball.
Venue and Conditions
- Venue: The match could be played at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram or Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, both venues typically offering good support for both batters and bowlers.
- Pitch Conditions:
- Chattogram: This pitch is known for offering good bounce and carry for fast bowlers, with spinners coming into play during the middle overs.
- Dhaka: The pitch at Shere Bangla tends to be a bit slower, favoring spinners, but fast bowlers who can adapt to the conditions will still have a good time.
- Weather: The weather is expected to be clear with no rain, providing ideal conditions for a full-length match. However, overcast conditions can sometimes provide early swing for pacers.
Predicted Playing XIs
Dhaka Dominators (DD):
- Mohammad Naim
- Shakib Al Hasan (c)
- Nasir Hossain
- Rubel Hossain
- Arafat Sunny
- Khaled Ahmed
- Afif Hossain
- Shuvagata Hom
- Riyad Mohammad
- Mominul Haque
- Taskin Ahmed
Chattogram Challengers (CC):
- Chris Gayle
- Liton Das
- Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
- Mahmudullah Riyad (c)
- Shamsur Rahman
- Zakir Hasan
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Rashid Khan
- Ariful Haque
- Nabil Samad
- Kamrul Islam Rabbi
Match Prediction
- Chattogram Challengers: On paper, they seem to have a stronger batting lineup with explosive players like Chris Gayle and Liton Das. Their bowling attack, especially with Mustafizur Rahman and Rashid Khan, gives them a slight edge in the death overs. They will likely be favorites to win this match.
- Dhaka Dominators: While they have some solid all-rounders like Shakib Al Hasan and Nasir Hossain, they will need their key players to deliver under pressure. If their top-order fires, they can put up a strong fight.
Final Prediction: Chattogram Challengers to win.
Chattogram’s explosive batting and strong death bowling give them the edge in this encounter, but Dhaka could still pull off a surprise if their key players step up on the day.
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