BPL 2019, Match 42: Dhaka Dynamites vs Khulna Titans - Preview and Predicted Playing XI

The 2019 BPL has already in the business end as there are just a few matches left in the group stage and the top 4 is all but decided. The last league game of the tournament will see Dhaka Dynamites take on the Khulna Titans at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka on February 2.

While Khulna are languishing at the bottom of the table with just four points and are already knocked out of the tournament, Dhaka might still have a chance to progress to the next round. The good thing for them is that their rival Rajshahi have played all their matches and Dhaka still have two matches to play.

A win in both will take them to the playoffs without any hiccup while if they lose one of their two matches, they will have to fight with Rajshahi's NRR which is way below their's.

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Dhaka Dynamites:

Batting:

Sunil Narine and Mizanur Rahman's start to the batting would be crucial for Dhaka with a platform required for the likes of Shakib, Russell and Pollard to launch in the final stages of the innings. Rony Talukdar has been impressive as well with a couple of fifties to his name this season and could have a say in the final league match of the season.

Shakib has been the leading run-scorer and has been getting quite dependable for the Dynamites. In front of their home crowd, it is crucial for Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard to get going as the impetus they provide could well be the difference between the two teams.

Bowling:

Shakib has similarly been their best bowler as well with seventeen wickets from ten matches to his name while the likes of Rubel and Russell have also chipped in at regular intervals. Narine has been usually economical with the West Indian slowly finding himself amongst the wickets as well in recent matches.

Against a good opening pair of Junaid Siddiqui and Brendan Taylor, it is imperative for them to get the early breakthrough and propel themselves into the driver's seat for the rest of the match.

Expected Playing XI:

Mizanur Rahman, Rony Talukdar, Sunil Narine, Shakib Al Hasan, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Nurul Hasan(WK), Mahmudul, Rubel Hossain, Andrew Birch and Shuvagata Hom.

Khulna Titans

Batting:

Mahmudullah Riyad is their best batsmen but hasn't gone on to make any big scores which also one of the many reasons why the Titans haven't done well in this year's edition. Junaid Siddiqui has been the lone warrior for them with 296 runs to his name but even he has tailed off in the last couple of matches.

The likes of Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Ariful Haque need to step up and take responsibility with good performances if they are to even come close to upsetting the Dynamites in front of their home crowd.

Bowling:

Junaid Khan has been their best bowler with eleven wickets in the six matches he has been a part of. His death bowling has been immaculate and should be crucial to dethroning the likes of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell early before they effect any sort of damage on them.

Taijul Islam and David Wiese's performances are also critical to the team's cause with international expertise behind them along with a much-needed knack for wickets. 17-year-old, Shariful Islam is one of the players to watch out for on Saturday with the pacer impressing with his line and length initially against the Victorians.

Expected Playing XI:

Brendan Taylor (WK), Junaid Siddiqui, Al-Amin, Mahmadullah Riyad, Ariful Haque, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, David Wiese, Carlos Brathwaite, Taijul Islam, Shariful Islam and Junaid Khan.