Some teams have been brilliant in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League, while some are yet to entertain fans in the country with their display. Overall, the BPL 2016 has been fun, and one can expect the entertainment factor to go another level with two important matches set to take place at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Friday.
Here is a look at the two matches, which will be on show.
Chittagong Vikings vs Rajshahi Kings
The Vikings had got off to a brilliant start in the BPL 2016, winning their opening match, but from there on, it has been a downhill slide, losing their last four matches on the trot. As a result of which they are left in the bottom half of the table with only one win. This match is going to be an important one as a victory may not only push them higher in the table, but they can gain confidence, which is lacking in the team due to the recent poor results.
With Vikings not possessing big star players, they have had to depend on Tamim Iqbal, who has not been consistent. But, it is also time for Grant Elliot to contribute and play the senior player's role in the side.
The Kings will come into this fixture fresh as they last played five days ago against the Barisal Bulls, which they unfortunately lost. Sabbir Rahman, who scored a brilliant century in the last match, will be keen to continue his good form. Their bowlers need to forget their last match, where they conceded 192 runs, and bowl in the right areas to take important wickets.
Comilla Victorians vs Rangpur Riders
The Victorians have tried all the tricks in their bag, but they have not picked a single point this BPL season. Now, the situation is becoming dire for the Victorians, who will have to script a win over Riders to have any hope of qualifying for the knockout stages. One look at their team and it is difficult to understand that Victorians, with Imrul Kayes, Ahmed Shehzad, Ryan ten Doeschate and Sohail Tanvir, have been so poor. May be, they will need a little luck or so when they feature against Riders.
The Riders, on the contrary, have been strong in all departments of the game, which can be understood from their second position in the BPL 2016 table. Their only loss in the competition has been against the mighty Dhaka Dynamites, else they have been superb. With the Victorians being low in confidence, the Riders will be keen to use that as their advantage.
They will hope to see their opener Mohammad Shahzad spend some more time at the batting crease, which will mean a good total on the board. With strong Bangladesh players like Soumya Sarkar and Mohammad Mithun, they look solid in their batting line-up. In the bowling front, they have the experienced Shahid Afridi and Sohag Gazi, who has been good in BPL 2016.
Where to watch live
Chittagong Vikings vs Rajshahi Kingsmatch is scheduled for 1.30 pm local time (1 pm IST) start, and Comilla Victorians vs Rangpur Riders clash will take shape from 6.15 pm local time (5.45 pm IST). TV and live streaming options can be found below for the matches.
India: TV: Sony Six and Sony Six HD. Live Streaming: Sonyliv.
Bangladesh: TV: Channel Nine BD
Pakistan: TV: Geo Super
