Bengal vs Services Match Preview – Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025

Date: 2025-12-04
Time: 05:30 PM GMT
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad
Tournament: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Group C

Match Outlook

As the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy enters a crucial phase, the clash between Bengal and Services promises to be an exciting encounter. With both teams vying for a strong position in Group C, this match will test the mettle of two well-balanced squads. The game will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, where the weather is expected to be chilly at 0°C, potentially favoring the bowlers early in the game.

Team Form and Key Players

Bengal (BGL)

Bengal has been in formidable form in the last five matches, backed by a strong top-order and a reliable bowling attack. Abhimanyu Easwaran has been the standout performer, scoring 185 runs at a strike rate of 51.30. Karan Lal and Abishek Porel have also contributed significantly, with 173 and 117 runs respectively.

The bowling department has been equally impressive. Sakshaim Chaudhary and Sayan Ghosh have been the pick of the bowlers, taking 7 wickets each. Mohammad Shami and Shahbaz Ahamad have provided crucial breakthroughs, with 6 and 4 wickets respectively. The spinners like Kanishk Seth and Pradipta Pramanik have also been consistent with the ball.

Services (SER)

Services, on the other hand, has built a solid foundation with their batters. Mohit Ahlawat has been in excellent form, scoring 126 runs at a strike rate of 31.5. Gaurav Kochar and Vikas Hathwala have also chipped in with 120 and 93 runs respectively, while Vineet Dhankhar has been a reliable middle-order performer.

In terms of bowling, Services has a potent attack led by Vishal Gaur and Pulkit Narang, both with 5 wickets in the last five games. Mohit Jangra and Mohit Rathee have also been effective, picking up 5 and 4 wickets respectively. With a balanced squad, Services is capable of challenging any opponent on their day.

Head-to-Head and Tactics

Historically, this match has been a closely contested affair, with both teams enjoying their share of success. Bengal has the advantage of a more experienced and versatile squad, particularly in the bowling department. Services, however, has a strong batting lineup with players who can accelerate the scoring rate.

The weather conditions at the venue could play a pivotal role, with the cold temperature possibly assisting the seamers early on. This could mean that the team batting second may have an advantage, as the pitch could offer movement.

Predicted XI

Bengal (BGL)

1. Abhimanyu Easwaran
2. Karan Lal
3. Abishek Porel
4. Shahbaz Ahamad
5. Sudip Kumar Gharami
6. Sakshaim Chaudhary
7. Sayan Ghosh
8. Mohammad Shami
9. Writtick Chatterjee
10. Akash Deep
11. Shakir Habib Gandhi

Services (SER)

1. Mohit Ahlawat
2. Gaurav Kochar
3. Vikas Hathwala
4. Vineet Dhankhar
5. Mohit Jangra
6. Pulkit Narang
7. Mohit Rathee
8. Vishal Gaur
9. Nitin Tanwar
10. Arun Kumar
11. Harsh Vardhan Jajodia

Prediction

Bengal, with a balanced squad and a strong bowling attack, could edge out Services in a tight contest. However, Services’ explosive batting and experienced middle order make them a dangerous side. The match could hinge on the toss and the first five overs, with the team winning the toss likely to choose to bowl first.

Prediction: Bengal by a narrow margin (30-70 runs)

Key Matchups to Watch

• Abhimanyu Easwaran vs Vishal Gaur – The battle between Bengal’s top-order mainstay and Services’ leading wicket-taker.
• Sakshaim Chaudhary vs Gaurav Kochar – A crucial clash between the star bowler and the Services opener.
• Mohit Ahlawat vs Akash Deep – The Services run-machine against the Bengal left-arm spinner.

This is set to be a fascinating encounter in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With both teams in good form and a keen battle ahead, fans can expect a high-octane clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
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