Comilla Victorians vs Rangpur Rangers Prediction: Riders will rely on all-rounders

Comilla Victorians and Rangpur Rangers are going head to head in the 40th Match of Bangladesh Premier League at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong, Bangladesh on 20 Feb 2024. Riders will rely on their all-rounders to perform once again. Who will win this game of cricket?

The Comilla Victorians have been one of the most consistent teams in the current season, winning 7 out of the 10 matches played so far. They have already secured a spot in the next stage, but a victory in the upcoming match will solidify their position in the top 2. Imrul Kayes, Litton Das, and Towhid Hridoy form a strong top order for the Comilla Victorians. Hridoy is the top run-scorer for both the team and the season, and will be key in the number 3 position. Litton Das and Imrul Kayes have each scored 2 half-centuries. Although Jaker Ali and Moeen Ali have had inconsistent form in the middle order, the addition of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine adds excitement. Unfortunately, the team will be without Mustafizur Rahman, one of their top wicket-takers, due to injury. As a result, Russell and Musfik Hasan will lead the pace attack, while Moeen, Sunil Narine, and Rishad Hossain will handle the spin department.

Imrul Kayes, Jonathan Charles, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Andre Russell, Jaker Ali, Moeen Ali, Tanvir Islaam, Aliss Islam, Rishad Hossain, Musfiq Hasan

The Rangpur Riders have been very impressive this season and currently occupy the top spot in the standings. Regardless of the result of their next match, they will be participating in Qualifier 1. Shakib Al-Hasan has been in great form, scoring 225 runs and taking 14 wickets. Mahedi Hasan is another valuable all-rounder with 15 wickets to his name. Brandon King showed good form by scoring 45 runs in the last game. Additionally, the team has depth in batting and bowling thanks to Dwaine Pretorius and James Neesham. Abu Hider, who recently returned to the team, took five wickets and is expected to lead the bowling attack alongside Hasan Mahmud.

Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Brandon King, Nurul Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tom Moores, James Neesham, Dwaine Pretorius, Abu Hider, Hasan Mahmud

It is probable that the team that wins the toss will choose to bat first. The stadium has held more than 10 matches in the past week and appears to have suffered some damage. However, it still offers a good pitch for batting, and the team that bats first will aim to score at least 180 runs. In the second half, the ball may move around and the seamers could receive some support from the pitch. The weather is expected to be clear, with temperatures reaching about 22 degrees.

Despite both teams performing well to reach the top of the table, we believe that the Rangpur Riders have an advantage in this match. The Comilla Victorians are without some key players and may experience difficulties. Our prediction is that the Rangpur Riders will emerge victorious.