Barisal Bulls vs Rangpur Rangers Prediction: Riders are on seven game winning run

Barisal Bulls and Rangpur Rangers are going head to head in the 38th Match of Bangladesh Premier League at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong, Bangladesh on 19 Feb 2024. Riders are on seven game winning run. Who will win this game of cricket?

After a brief period of struggling, Fortune Barishal has shown signs of improvement with three consecutive victories in the past week. Currently standing in 3rd place on the points table, a win in their upcoming match will likely secure their spot in the playoffs. The team's strong batting lineup, led by Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim who have both scored 292 runs each, will be crucial for their success. Support from players like Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, and Shoaib Malik has been instrumental. Additionally, all-rounders Kyle Mayers and Mehidy Hasan Miraz provide added depth. However, the bowling has been inconsistent and needs improvement. Khaled Ahmed leads the wicket-taking charts with 10 wickets, while support in the spin department comes from Obed McCoy, Mayers, and Mohammad Saifuddin. Keshav Maharaj, a recent addition to the team, is still finding his footing.

Ahmed Shehzad, Kyle Mayers, Tamim Iqbal (c), Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Keshav Maharaj, Mohammad Saifuddin, Obed McCoy, Khaled Ahmed

The Rangpur Riders have been the most consistent team this season, securing a spot in the playoffs after defeating the Chattogram Challengers comfortably. Shakib Al-Hasan and Mahedi Hasan's excellent form with both bat and ball will be crucial for the team's success. Mahedi Hasan is the second-highest wicket-taker of the season with 15 wickets, closely followed by Shakib with 13. Rony Talukdar and Reeza Hendricks are expected to open the batting, with Brandon King at number 3 and Nurul Hasan providing strength in the middle order. In the spin department, Shakib and Mahedi Hasan will be key, while Hasan Mahmud leads the pace attack with 11 wickets, supported by Dwaine Pretorius and James Neesham.

Brandon King, Rony Talukdar, Reeza Hendricks, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, James Neesham, Nurul Hasan (c & wk), Dwaine Pretorius, Shamim Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Hasan Murad

The team that wins the toss is likely to choose to bat first. The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium has a great batting surface, with a dry pitch and minimal grass. This allows the ball to come onto the bat nicely, making it favorable for batsmen to play their shots. The team batting first will aim to score between 180 to 200 runs, as the pitch tends to slow down in the second half, benefiting spinners. The weather is expected to be clear with pleasant temperatures. Based on recent performances, it is anticipated to be a close match, with the Rangpur Riders having a slight advantage due to the good form of their all-rounders. It is advisable to bet on the Rangpur Riders for the win.