The battle for a playoff spot in the BPL 2022 has intensified, with teams including Chattogram Challengers, Sylhet Sunrisers, and Khulna Tigers vying for the fourth spot on the points table. The Khulna Tigers have a good chance of advancing to the knockout round. Oppositely, Chattogram and Sylhet have no choice but to win their remaining matches in order to qualify for the playoffs. Chattogram will play against Dhaka in the first match on Tuesday, which is a must-win contest for the Challengers. Let's take a look at the Chattogram Challengers vs Minister Dhaka match preview.
23rd Match Preview: Chattogram Challengers vs Minister Dhaka
The Minister Dhaka team will be captained by Bangladesh's T20I skipper Mahmudullah Riyad, while experienced all-rounder Naeem Islam will lead the Chattogram Challengers. Let's take a look at the latest team news from both sides.
Chattogram Challengers
The Chattogram Challengers have a number of Bangladesh cricket's up-and-coming stars. As a result, supporters are very enthusiastic about this team. The Challengers were captained by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. He was relieved of his duties during the Chattogram phase, sparking controversy. Naeem Islam is directing the Chattogram team in his place. However, Chattogram have struggled under his leadership.
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Chattogram have 6 points from 8 games and they are currently in fifth place in the standings. With only two games remaining in the league, Chattogram have no choice but to win their remaining games in order to qualify for the playoffs.
No injuries have been reported in the Chattogram campaign, and all of the players in the squad are available for selection. English recruit Will Jacks will be crucial in the match against Dhaka. Jacks is one of the tournament's leading run-scorers. Apart from him, the Chattogram Challengers will need Mehidy Miraz, pacer Shoriful Islam, and Mrittunjoy Chowdhury to succeed.
Probable Playing XI
Top Order: Will Jacks, Afif Hossain, Shamim Hossain Middle Order: Chadwick Walton, Benny Howell, Mehidy Hasan, Naeem Islam (c), Akbar Ali (wk) Lower Order: Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Nasum Ahmed, Shoriful Islam.
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Minister Dhaka
Minister Dhaka are one of the tournament's favorites. Dhaka struggled in the first phase, but they came back strong in the second phase. Minister Dhaka are presently in fourth place in the points table with seven points after seven matches. If Dhaka defeat Chattogram in this match, they will qualify for the playoffs.
The squad is injury-free and all of the players are available to compete in this match. The veteran opener Tamim Iqbal has been their best performer. The left-hand opener scored a match-winning hundred in a phase 2 encounter against Sylhet Sunrisers. The opening duo of Tamim Iqbal and Mohammad Shahzad is one of the best in the BPL 2022 competition. Apart from them, the Dhaka team will bank on skipper Mahmudullah and West Indian Andre Russell's performance.
Probable Playing XI
Top Order: Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Shahzad, Mohammad Naim Middle-Orders: Imran Uzzaman (wk), Mahmudullah (c), Andre Russell, Shuvagata Hom, Mashrafe Mortaza Lower-Order: Rubel Hossain, Ebadot Hossain, Qais Ahmad.
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BPL 2022 Points Table (as of 7/02/2022)
|
Team |
Match |
Win |
Lose |
Points |
NRR |
|
Fortune Barishal |
8 |
5 |
2 |
11 |
-0.014 |
|
Comilla Victorians |
7 |
4 |
2 |
9 |
0.506 |
|
Khulna Tigers |
7 |
4 |
3 |
8 |
0.266 |
|
Minister Dhaka |
7 |
3 |
3 |
7 |
0.266 |
|
Chattogram Challengers |
8 |
3 |
5 |
6 |
-0.215 |
|
Sylhet Sunrisers |
7 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
-0.790 |
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Verdict
Minister Dhaka will start as favorites because of the strength of both teams, but no one can deny that Chattogram have the capacity to win this match. They defeated Dhaka by 30 runs in a phase 1 match of BPL 2022. Therefore, Dhaka will be keen to take revenge against the Chattogram team. On the other hand, Chattogram need to win the match to stay alive in the competition. The toss could be crucial in this match as well because the surface in Sylhet is likely to favor spinners. Batting second should be the preferable option for the team that wins the toss. Overall, the match between Chattogram Challengers and Minister Dhaka has the potential to be entertaining.