Noakhali Express to Face Rangpur Riders in Exciting BPL Clash
Background of the Match
In an exhilarating match-up of the Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26, Noakhali Express (NOE) will be taking on Rangpur Riders (RGR) in Match No. 20 at the iconic Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. While the Noakhali Express have unfortunately been eliminated from the tournament, they will be aiming to end their debut BPL campaign on a positive note with a victory over the Riders. Having secured only two wins this season, one of which was against the Rangpur Riders earlier in the month, NOE will be looking to showcase their skills and potential in this upcoming clash.
On the other hand, the Rangpur Riders have already sealed their place in the playoffs and are currently placed at No. 4 in the standings, with five wins and four defeats from nine matches. The Litton Das-led side will be coming into this game with renewed confidence after breaking a three-match losing streak with a win against the Dhaka Capitals in their last outing.
Match Details
The match will be held at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, where in the first three matches of the season, the average first-innings score has been around 151. Teams batting first have won two out of the three games played at this venue. However, the toss-winning captain is likely to opt to bowl first and assess the conditions, as dew is not expected to play a significant role in the evening match.
Head-to-Head Record
In their first-ever encounter in the BPL, Noakhali Express emerged victorious against Rangpur Riders by nine runs earlier in the season in Sylhet. This sets the stage for an exciting rematch between the two teams.
Predicted Playing XIs
Noakhali Express: Hassan Eisakhil, Soumya Sarkar, Jaker Ali (WK), Haider Ali (C), Habibur Rahman Sohan, Munim Shahriar, Sabbir Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Mehedi Hasan Rana, Zahir Khan, Ihsanullah.
Rangpur Riders: Kyle Mayers, Litton Das (C), Dawid Malan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Khushdil Shah, Nurul Hasan (WK), Faheem Ashraf, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman, Rakibul Hasan.
Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter: Dawid Malan has been a standout performer this season, scoring 281 runs in seven innings at an average of 46.83. With three half-centuries under his belt, Malan will be a key player to watch out for in this match.
Probable Best Bowler: Hasan Mahmud has been in fine form, picking up 15 wickets in nine matches at an impressive average of 12.60. His ability to use the slower ball effectively makes him a dangerous bowler on any pitch.
Match Prediction
With both teams having their strengths and weaknesses, the Rangpur Riders are predicted to come out on top in this exciting clash against Noakhali Express. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two competitive teams vying for victory in the BPL.
Team Analysis
While Noakhali Express may have been eliminated from the tournament, they have shown glimpses of their potential in their debut BPL campaign. Players like Soumya Sarkar and Haider Ali have showcased their batting prowess, while Hasan Mahmud has been a standout performer with the ball. Despite their inconsistent performances, they have the talent to pose a challenge to any team in the league.
On the other hand, Rangpur Riders have been a formidable force in this season’s BPL. Led by Litton Das, the team has a good mix of experienced players like Mahmudullah and Mustafizur Rahman along with exciting talents like Kyle Mayers and Dawid Malan. Their recent victory against the Dhaka Capitals would have boosted their confidence, and they will be looking to carry that momentum into this crucial clash.
Key Battles to Watch
One of the key battles to watch in this match will be between Dawid Malan and Hasan Mahmud. Malan’s ability to anchor the innings and score runs consistently will be tested against Mahmud’s pace and variations. How this battle unfolds could have a significant impact on the outcome of the match.
Another intriguing battle to watch will be between Rangpur Riders’ spinners and Noakhali Express’ middle-order batsmen. With players like Zahir Khan and Rakibul Hasan in the Riders’ lineup, the likes of Jaker Ali and Sabbir Hossain will need to be cautious and look to build partnerships to set a competitive total.
Impact of Home Ground Advantage
Playing at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, the Rangpur Riders will have the advantage of familiarity with the conditions. The pitch at this venue has offered assistance to both batsmen and bowlers, making it crucial for the teams to adapt quickly and make the most of the conditions. The home support for the Riders could also play a crucial role in boosting their morale and intensity on the field.
Fans’ Expectations and Excitement
As the BPL season reaches its climax, fans are eagerly anticipating each match with excitement and anticipation. The clash between Noakhali Express and Rangpur Riders promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams having their own motivations and aspirations. The fans will be looking forward to an entertaining display of cricket and are likely to witness some exciting moments and performances from the players.
Final Thoughts
With the BPL heating up and the race for the playoffs intensifying, every match becomes crucial for the teams involved. While the Noakhali Express will be playing for pride and looking to end their campaign on a high, the Rangpur Riders will be aiming to consolidate their position in the standings with another victory. The clash between these two teams is not just a battle on the field but also a test of character and resilience. As fans gear up for another thrilling encounter, all eyes will be on the Shere Bangla National Stadium as the Noakhali Express take on the Rangpur Riders in what promises to be an exciting BPL clash.


