The Bangladesh Premier League has seen some brilliant contest in the fourth edition, and the competition has now moved into the crucial playoff stage. There is no room for error as a small mistake here or there could lead to exit from BPL. Chittagong Vikings take on Rajshahi Kings in the eliminator, which is the first match of the playoff stage on Tuesday.
Vikings and Kings were placed in third and fourth position, after the group stages, to set up this encounter. The winner of this clash does not directly move into the final as they will book their spot for Qualifier 2, which will take place on Wednesday. The losing team will bid adieu to the tournament.
The Vikings have not been a consistent team in the competition, which has been a point of concern. But if their players such as Tamim Iqbal, Chris Gayle, Shoaib Malik and Taskin Ahmed get their game going, they can defeat any team in the competition.
The Vikings will look for a solid opening partnership from Iqbal and Gayle, as the two can take the attack to the opposition. The duo with their attacking exploits can bat teams out of the match. But it is not their openers alone, Malik's experience in the middle order will also come in handy.
Malik will also play an important role with the ball as well, and he does not mind rolling his arm over with the new ball. Taskin is their other key bowler. However, it is their strong top order that will hold the key against the Kings.
The Kings have been in stunning form of late, winning five of their last seven matches. Hence, they will have their tails up when they square off against Vikings. If the Vikings have a solid top order, the Kings have a strong middle order, which comprises James Franklin, Darren Sammy and Samit Patel, who all have the much-needed experience, and can play according to the need of the hour.
For this middle order to succeed, they will need top order stars like Sabbir Rahman and Mominul Haque to shine and give their team a flying start. Bowlers like Mehedi Hasan have to bowl well to contain the strong Vikings batsmen as well.
The match is expected to be a close-affair. Their head-to-head contest in BPL 2016 has been close too. Vikings and Kings have won one each, but the team, which plays wonderful and solid cricket in the eliminator, will progress in the next stage of the competition.
Where to watch live
Chittagong Kings vs Rajshahi Kings BPL eliminator match is scheduled for 1 pm local time (12.30 pm IST) start. 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
