Noakhali Express Aims to Break Losing Streak Against Rajshahi Warriors in BPL 2025-26
Noakhali Express (NOE) will be desperate to end their losing streak as they face a confident Rajshahi Warriors (RJW) side in match No. 17 of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
Noakhali Express Struggles:
Noakhali Express has faced a rough start to their maiden season in the BPL, losing all five matches they have played so far. Their latest defeat came at the hands of Dhaka Capitals, who defeated them by seven wickets. The team will be looking to turn their fortunes around in this crucial match against Rajshahi Warriors.
Rajshahi Warriors’ Strong Start:
On the other hand, Rajshahi Warriors have had a strong start to the tournament, currently sitting at No. 4 on the points table. They have won three matches and lost only one so far. Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, the team is coming off a thrilling Super Over victory against Rangpur Riders.
Match Details:
The match will be played at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, where the pitches have offered a balanced contest between bat and ball with not many high-scoring games. Teams chasing have had an advantage, and the team batting first will aim to post a total of at least 170-plus on the board.
Head-to-Head Record:
This will be the second encounter between Noakhali Express and Rajshahi Warriors in this season of BPL. In their previous meeting, Rajshahi emerged victorious by six wickets, giving them a psychological edge going into this match.
Predicted Playing XIs:
Noakhali Express (NOE):
Maaz Sadaqat, Habibur Rahman Sohan, Soumya Sarkar, Haider Ali (C), Munim Shahriar, Mahidul Islam Ankon (WK), Abu Hasim, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Hasan Mahmud, Mehedi Hasan Rana, Zahir Khan.
Rajshahi Warriors (RJW):
Sahibzada Farhan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Yasir Ali, Hussain Talat, SM Meherob, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Ripon Mondol, Binura Fernando.
Probable Best Performers:
Probable Best Batter: Najmul Hossain Shanto
Rajshahi Warriors’ skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has been in outstanding form this season, leading the run-scoring charts with 203 runs in four innings. Noakhali Express will look to dismiss him early to have a chance in the match.
Probable Best Bowler: Hasan Mahmud
Hasan Mahmud has been a standout performer for Noakhali Express with seven wickets in five matches at an impressive average of 12.71. His performance will be crucial as Noakhali aims to secure their first win of the season.
Match Prediction:
Considering the current form and head-to-head record, Rajshahi Warriors are the favorites to win this match. However, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and Noakhali Express will be determined to put up a fight and break their losing streak.
Key Strategies for Noakhali Express:
For Noakhali Express to break their losing streak in the BPL, they will need to focus on key strategies such as improving their batting performance. Players like Soumya Sarkar and Haider Ali will need to step up and provide stability at the top of the order. Additionally, their middle order, led by Munim Shahriar, will need to accelerate the scoring rate and build partnerships to set a competitive total.
On the bowling front, Hasan Mahmud will be crucial in leading the attack and picking up early wickets to put pressure on the Rajshahi Warriors batsmen. The spin duo of Mehedi Hasan Rana and Zahir Khan will also play a vital role in containing the opposition’s scoring and taking crucial wickets in the middle overs.
Rajshahi Warriors’ Winning Formula:
Meanwhile, Rajshahi Warriors will look to continue their winning momentum by sticking to their winning formula. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s consistent run-scoring will be key to their success, and players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Nawaz will need to support him with crucial contributions in the middle order.
On the bowling front, the Warriors will rely on Binura Fernando’s pace and variations to trouble the Noakhali Express batsmen. Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s spin bowling will also be crucial in exploiting any pitch conditions that favor slow bowlers and containing the opposition’s scoring rate.
Impact of Home Ground Advantage:
Playing at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, both teams will have to adapt to the conditions that have historically favored the bowlers. The slower nature of the pitch might require batsmen to be patient and build their innings before launching into big shots. Bowlers, on the other hand, will need to vary their pace and lengths to make the most of the conditions and take advantage of any turn on offer.
Additionally, the crowd support at the home ground can also play a significant role in boosting the morale of the players. Noakhali Express will look to capitalize on the energy and enthusiasm of the local fans to inspire them to their first victory in the tournament.
Exciting Matchup to Watch:
One of the key matchups to watch out for in this game will be between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Hasan Mahmud. The battle between the leading run-scorer and the top wicket-taker in the tournament will be intriguing, with both players aiming to outperform each other and lead their respective teams to victory.
Overall, the clash between Noakhali Express and Rajshahi Warriors promises to be an exciting contest with both teams looking to assert their dominance in the BPL. While Rajshahi holds the upper hand based on current form, cricket’s unpredictable nature leaves room for Noakhali to stage a comeback and create an upset in this crucial encounter.
By focusing on their strengths, implementing key strategies, and making the most of home ground advantage, Noakhali Express has a chance to turn their fortunes around and secure their first win of the season against a formidable opponent like Rajshahi Warriors.


