BPL 2026 Match 12: Sylhet Titans vs Rangpur Riders – Preview

Date: Friday, 2 January 2026
Venue: Sylhet International Stadium
Start Time: 13:00 GMT | 18:30 IST | 19:00 Local

Match Overview

The Sylhet Titans and Rangpur Riders are set to clash in what promises to be an intriguing contest in the 2026 Bangladesh Premier League. Both teams are vying for crucial points as they look to strengthen their positions in the early stages of the tournament. With the Sylhet International Stadium known for its balanced nature, the toss could play a pivotal role in determining the game's outcome.

Team Form

Sylhet Titans

The Sylhet Titans have bounced back from an opening defeat with two consecutive victories, earning four points. Their batting line-up has been bolstered by the explosive performances of Parvez Hossain Emon, who has already emerged as the leading run-scorer for the team. The Titans' bowling attack, led by the experienced Khaled Ahmed and the versatile Azmatullah Omarzai, has been instrumental in their recent wins.

Rangpur Riders

The Rangpur Riders have had a mixed start to the tournament, with one win and one loss. A costly chase against the Rajshahi Warriors has left the team with room for improvement, particularly in the field and under pressure. However, their batting is spearheaded by the consistent Dawid Malan and Litton Das, who have both crossed the 50-run mark in their opening games. The Riders' bowling unit, featuring the wicket-taking prowess of Faheem Ashraf and the spin of Aliss Al Islam, remains a key strength.

Players to Watch

Sylhet Titans

• Parvez Hossain Emon (Batter): The star performer for the Titans, Emon has already scored 169 runs at a strike rate of 159.43. His aggressive style and ability to accelerate the innings make him a key player.
• Khaled Ahmed (Bowler): With five wickets at an economy of 7.8, Ahmed is the Titans' go-to option in the middle overs.
• Azmatullah Omarzai (All-rounder): The debutant has already made a mark with an unbeaten 50 and 3/40 in the same match. His all-round contributions could be the difference in this game.

Rangpur Riders

• Dawid Malan (Batter): A consistent performer, Malan has scored 114 runs at an average of 114, with two fifties in two games.
• Faheem Ashraf (Bowler): The Pakistani all-rounder has been the Riders' leading wicket-taker, picking up eight wickets in just 7.5 overs.
• Aliss Al Islam (Spinner): The leg-spinner has been effective in the middle overs, with a tight economy and a knack for picking up crucial wickets.

Venue Insights

The Sylhet International Stadium has seen an average first-innings score of 166 over the past five years, with teams batting second winning 55.8% of the matches. The pitch tends to offer assistance to both batters and bowlers, particularly in the powerplay and death overs. Spinners can expect some lateral movement, while fast bowlers may find the surface helpful in the early and late stages of the innings.

Match Prediction

• Toss Winner: Rangpur Riders
• Match Winner: Sylhet Titans
• Top Batter (Runs): Parvez Hossain Emon (Sylhet Titans), Dawid Malan (Rangpur Riders)
• Top Bowler (Wickets): Azmatullah Omarzai (Sylhet Titans), Faheem Ashraf (Rangpur Riders)
• Most Sixes: Azmatullah Omarzai (Sylhet Titans), Dawid Malan (Rangpur Riders)
• Player of the Match: Azmatullah Omarzai (Sylhet Titans)
• Score Prediction: Sylhet Titans 180/6 – Rangpur Riders 175/9

Final Verdict

This match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having the firepower to chase or defend. However, the Titans' recent form and the all-round brilliance of Azmatullah Omarzai could give them the edge. If the Riders can contain the Titans' aggressive openers and capitalize on early wickets, they could spring a surprise. The toss will be crucial, but the Sylhet International Stadium’s historical trend slightly favors the chasing side.

Catch all the action as the Sylhet Titans and Rangpur Riders battle it out at the Sylhet International Stadium on 2 January 2026!
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