Bangladesh Premier League 2025/26: Dhaka Capitals vs Rangpur Riders – Match Preview

Date: Sunday, 4th January 2026
Venue: Sylhet International Stadium
Time: 12:00 PM GMT | 05:30 PM IST | 06:00 PM Local

Match Overview

The highly anticipated clash between Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League 2025/26 promises to deliver a thrilling encounter at the Sylhet International Stadium. With the Capitals looking to bounce back from recent setbacks and the Riders aiming to continue their strong start to the season, this match is set to be a tactical and physical battle.

Head-to-Head History

The two sides have met on three previous occasions in the BPL, with Rangpur Riders dominating the head-to-head record by winning two of those matches. Dhaka Capitals, in their second season in the tournament, have yet to record a win against Rangpur.

Team Form

Dhaka Capitals:

• The Capitals have had a mixed start to the season, with one win and two losses in their opening three fixtures.
• Their batting has shown promise, with Shamim Hossain emerging as a key run-scorer, while Imad Wasim has provided valuable all-round support with both bat and ball.
• However, the team has struggled with consistency, particularly in the middle overs and under pressure.

Rangpur Riders:

• The Riders are in strong form, having secured two wins from three games so far.
• Their bowling attack has been a standout, with Mustafizur Rahman and Faheem Ashraf wreaking havoc with their variations and aggressive lines.
• Dawid Malan and Litton Das have been instrumental in the middle order, providing stability and firepower with the bat.

Key Players to Watch

Dhaka Capitals:

• Shamim Hossain – The rising star of the Capitals, with 102 runs at a blistering strike rate of 161.9 in three games.
• Imad Wasim – The experienced all-rounder has contributed 41 runs and three wickets so far, offering crucial support.
• Usman Khan – A quick-scoring opener, with 60 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 133.33.

Rangpur Riders:

• Dawid Malan – The English opener has been in red-hot form, scoring 133 runs at an average of 66.5 and a strike rate of 111.76.
• Mustafizur Rahman – The star leg-spinner has taken six wickets at an impressive average of 12.83, making him a match-winner.
• Faheem Ashraf – The left-arm pacer has been in scintillating form, taking 11 wickets in three games at an average of 7.09.

Venue Insights: Sylhet International Stadium

• Average First Innings Score (2022–2026): 149.50
• Winning Percentage (Batting Second): 56.8%
• Wickets per Innings: 6.6 (First Innings), 5.92 (Second Innings)
• Bowling Economy Rate: Fast bowlers at 8.37, spinners at 7.16

The Sylhet pitch has traditionally been a bowler's paradise, with a slower surface and consistent turn in the later stages. Chasing has proven to be the more successful strategy, with teams batting second winning over 56% of matches.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Dhaka Capitals
• Match Winner: Rangpur Riders
• Top Batter (Runs): Usman Khan (Dhaka Capitals), Litton Das (Rangpur Riders)
• Top Bowler (Wickets): Imad Wasim (Dhaka Capitals), Mustafizur Rahman (Rangpur Riders)
• Most Sixes: Usman Khan (Dhaka Capitals), Litton Das (Rangpur Riders)
• Player of the Match: Mustafizur Rahman (Rangpur Riders)
• Team Scores (Batting First): Dhaka Capitals 150+, Rangpur Riders 160+

Key Insights

• Rangpur Riders' Bowling Depth: With Faheem Ashraf and Mustafizur Rahman in form, the Riders' attack is one of the most potent in the tournament.
• Dhaka Capitals' Need for Stability: The Capitals must find consistency in the middle order to match the Riders' firepower.
• Sylhet Conditions: The slower surface and consistent turn could play into the hands of the spinners, especially in the middle and death overs.

Final Verdict

While the Dhaka Capitals have the talent and firepower to compete, the Rangpur Riders' superior form and bowling strength give them a clear edge. The Riders are expected to continue their winning momentum at the Sylhet International Stadium. However, with a well-structured chase and a clinical batting performance, the Capitals can still pull off an upset.

Prediction: Rangpur Riders to win by 8–10 runs.
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