BPL 2025/26 Match 10: Rangpur Riders vs Rajshahi Warriors – Match Preview

Match Details

• Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
• Venue: Sylhet International Stadium
• Start Time: 12:00 PM GMT | 05:30 PM IST | 06:00 PM Local

Team Form & Momentum

Rangpur Riders (RGR)

Rangpur Riders began their BPL 2025/26 campaign on a strong note, securing a thrilling seven-wicket win over Chattogram Royals. The batting lineup, led by Dawid Malan's composed 51, and supported by Litton Das's explosive 47 off 31 balls, showcased a blend of aggression and composure. The pace duo of Mustafizur Rahman and Faheem Ashraf, who took 5/17 in his debut, will be crucial for the Riders' success.

Rajshahi Warriors (RJW)

The Rajshahi Warriors, newcomers to the BPL, have made a solid start, winning two out of their three matches. Their captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has been in sensational form, scoring a century in the tournament and averaging 81 in the process. The spin options of Mohammad Nawaz and Sandeep Lamichhane, along with the pace threat of Ripon Mondol (4/13 in his first game), offer a balanced bowling attack.

Key Players to Watch

Rajshahi Warriors

• Najmul Hossain Shanto – The captain and tournament’s leading run-scorer, Shanto is a match-winner with the bat and has the potential to dominate the innings.
• Mohammad Nawaz – A dual threat with the ball and bat, Nawaz's all-round contributions can be pivotal.
• Ripon Mondol – The pacer has already taken 4/13 in his first match and is a key wicket-taker for the Warriors.

Rangpur Riders

• Litton Das – The explosive opener has a strike rate of 148 in the tournament and is the prime run-scorer for the Riders.
• Dawid Malan – A reliable anchor with a calm approach, Malan provides the stability required in the middle overs.
• Mustafizur Rahman – The experienced leg-spinner has been in fine form and will be crucial in the death overs.

Venue Insights – Sylhet International Stadium

• Average 1st Innings Score (2022–2025): ~157–164
• Win Percentage (Batting Second): 56%
• Wickets per Phase:
  • Powerplay (1–6): 1.85
  • Middle Overs (7–15): 2.48
  • Death Overs (16–20): 2.10

The pitch in Sylhet is generally conducive for batters, especially in the middle and death overs. However, the recent trend shows a slight edge for teams chasing, with the win percentage in favor of the chasing side.

Head-to-Head (T20s)

This will be the first-ever T20 encounter between Rangpur Riders and Rajshahi Warriors. The Warriors, being a new team, do not have any prior record against the Riders, making this a fresh and exciting clash.

Predicted Playing XI

Rajshahi Warriors (RJW)

1. Najmul Hossain Shanto (C)
2. Mushfiqur Rahim (WK)
3. Shakhir Hossain (WK)
4. Jahandad Khan
5. Tanzid Hasan
6. Yasir Ali
7. Mohammad Nawaz
8. Ripon Mondol
9. Tanzim Hasan Sakib
10. Wasi Siddiquee
11. Sandeep Lamichhane

Rangpur Riders (RGR)

1. Nurul Hasan Sohan (C & WK)
2. Litton Das (WK)
3. Dawid Malan
4. Towhid Hridoy
5. Khawaja Nafay
6. Mahmudullah Riyad
7. Khushdil Shah
8. Faheem Ashraf
9. Sufiyan Muqeem
10. Mustafizur Rahman
11. Nahid Rana

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Rajshahi Warriors
• Match Winner: Rangpur Riders
• Top Batters:
  • Najmul Hossain Shanto (RJW)
  • Litton Das (RGR)
• Top Bowlers:
  • Mohammad Nawaz (RJW)
  • Mustafizur Rahman (RGR)
• Most Sixes:
  • Najmul Hossain Shanto (RJW)
  • Litton Das (RGR)
• Player of the Match: Litton Das
• Team Scores (Batting First):
  • Rajshahi Warriors: 160+
  • Rangpur Riders: 170+

Key Match Insight

The Sylhet pitch tends to favor chasing teams, and with both sides having strong batting lineups, the toss could be a pivotal moment. Rangpur Riders, led by their explosive top-order, might look to chase down a competitive total, while Rajshahi Warriors, with a balanced team and a powerful captain in Shanto, will aim to post a daunting score.

Litton Das, in particular, has been in scintillating form and could be the difference-maker in this encounter. Meanwhile, Mustafizur Rahman and Faheem Ashraf will be crucial in managing the middle and death overs for Rangpur.

Final Verdict:
While Rajshahi Warriors have the advantage of a strong captain and consistent bowling, Rangpur Riders are tipped to come out on top, thanks to their firepower and the form of key players like Litton Das and Dawid Malan.

Note: This prediction is based on current form, player availability, and venue trends. Lineups may change closer to the match day.
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