Shakib-Al Hasan led Dhaka Dynamites have been one of the strongest teams in the past seasons of the Bangladesh Premier League, so one is not surprised to see them as one of the two finalists. In a competition, which had a total of seven teams, the other finalist Rajshahi Kings might not have been a major favourite, but they have shone brightly when it mattered most to reach the title-decider, which is scheduled for Friday.
More than Kings' ticket into the final, it is their entry into the playoff stage, which might have surprised many. They only won one of their first five matches, but they came back strongly in the mid-stages, winning four on a trot to keep them in the race, and a win in the last group stage match allowed them a place in the playoffs.
During the playoffs, they defeated huge teams like Chittagong Vikings and Khulna Titans, which will give them huge confidence to deliver in the title-decider. They might not be a huge team, but if things go their way, Dynamites will have a tough task in their hand.
The Dynamites, on the other hand, have been the most consistent team in the competition right from the group stages. They have justified their favourites tag, reaching the finals, without major glitches, and this last match of the competition is where their stars would love to take their game to the next level and clinch the title.
The Dynamites, earlier known as Dhaka Gladiators, have been the most successful team in the competition, so the franchise is not new to winning. The Dynamites, who won BPL in 2012 and 2013, are eyeing their third title in 2016. Can it happen? Yes it can, provided their players play some consistent cricket in the final.
BPL 2016 final schedule
Dhaka Dynamites vs Rajshahi Kings
Date: December 6
Time: 6:15 local time (5:45 pm IST)
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
TV listings: India: Sony Six/HD. Bangladesh: Channel Nine. Pakistan: Geo Super.
