Rajshahi Warriors to Clash with Chattogram Royals in BPL 2025-26 Qualifier 1
Rajshahi Warriors (RJW) and Chattogram Royals (CHR) are gearing up to face off at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday, January 20, in Qualifier 1 of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26.
Team Performances
Rajshahi Warriors secured the top position in the points table after the league phase, with eight wins and two losses in 10 matches. Their last defeat was on January 9. On the other hand, Chattogram Royals claimed the second spot with six victories and four losses, entering the playoffs after back-to-back defeats against Rajshahi Warriors and Dhaka Capitals.
Head-to-Head Stats
Both teams have faced each other twice this season, with the head-to-head score tied at 1-1. This sets the stage for an exciting and evenly matched encounter.
Match Details
The Shere Bangla National Stadium has seen an average first-innings total of around 154 in the six matches played in BPL 2025-26. The pitch has provided equal opportunities for chasing and first batting teams, with spinners expected to play a crucial role in the match.
Predicted Playing XIs
Rajshahi Warriors (RJW):
Sahibzada Farhan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mustafizur Rahman (WK), James Neesham, Akbar Ali, Ryan Burl, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Jahandad Khan, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Hasan Murad.
Chattogram Royals (CHR):
Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Naim, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Hasan Nawaz, Mahedi Hasan (C), Asif Ali, Aamer Jamal, Tanvir Islam, Shoriful Islam, Mukidul Islam.
Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter: Najmul Hossain Shanto
Najmul Hossain Shanto has been a standout performer this season, scoring 329 runs in 10 innings at an average of 36.56 and a strike rate of 140.60. The left-handed batsman will be a key player for Rajshahi Warriors.
Probable Best Bowler: Shoriful Islam
Shoriful Islam has been impressive with 23 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 9.26 and an economy rate of 5.78. The left-arm seamer will look to make an impact with the ball for Chattogram Royals.
Match Prediction
Considering the form and performances of both teams, Rajshahi Warriors are predicted to emerge victorious in this crucial encounter. The clash between these two strong sides promises an exciting battle for a spot in the BPL 2025-26 final.
Team Strategies
Heading into the crucial Qualifier 1 match, both Rajshahi Warriors and Chattogram Royals will be focusing on executing their game plans efficiently. Rajshahi Warriors, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will look to continue their dominant form with the bat. Their top-order batsmen, Sahibzada Farhan and Tanzid Hasan, have been in fine touch and will be key to setting up a strong total. On the bowling front, the likes of Mustafizur Rahman and James Neesham will aim to stifle the Royals’ batting lineup.
On the other hand, Chattogram Royals will rely on their dynamic opening pair of Mohammad Naim and Shadman Islam to provide a solid start. Captain Mahedi Hasan will be crucial in the middle order, guiding the team’s chase if required. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Shoriful Islam and Tanvir Islam, will look to apply pressure on the Warriors’ batsmen and take early wickets to gain control of the match.
Key Battles to Watch
One of the key battles to watch out for in this qualifier will be between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shoriful Islam. Shanto’s ability to anchor the innings and find boundaries at crucial junctures will be tested against Shoriful’s pace and accuracy. How Shanto handles the threat posed by Shoriful could have a significant impact on the outcome of the match.
Another intriguing battle will be between the spinners from both teams. With the pitch expected to assist spin bowling, the contest between the spinners, including Ryan Burl from Rajshahi Warriors and Mahedi Hasan from Chattogram Royals, could prove decisive in shaping the match’s flow.
Impact of Previous Encounters
The fact that both teams have already faced each other twice earlier in the season adds an interesting dimension to this qualifier. Having shared the spoils in those encounters, both Rajshahi Warriors and Chattogram Royals will have studied each other’s strengths and weaknesses closely. This prior knowledge could lead to tactical adjustments and strategic innovations from both sides, making the upcoming clash even more intriguing.
Final Thoughts
As the stage is set for an intense battle between Rajshahi Warriors and Chattogram Royals in Qualifier 1 of BPL 2025-26, fans can expect a high-octane contest filled with thrilling moments and nail-biting finishes. With a spot in the final at stake, both teams will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory. The unpredictable nature of T20 cricket adds an element of excitement, making it difficult to predict the outcome definitively. However, one thing is certain – cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat as these two powerhouse teams lock horns in a quest for glory.
