Dhaka Capitals vs Noakhali Express Match Preview – BPL 2025/26, 7th January 2026

Date: Wednesday, 7th January 2026
Venue: Sylhet International Stadium
Start Time: 07:00 AM GMT | 12:30 PM IST | 01:00 PM Local

Match Context

The Dhaka Capitals and Noakhali Express meet for the first time in the 2025/26 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at the Sylhet International Stadium. This encounter promises to be a crucial one for both teams, with Dhaka Capitals aiming to end their three-match losing streak, while Noakhali Express look to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat.

With the tournament nearing the midway stage, this match could prove pivotal in determining the standings, especially for the struggling Noakhali Express, who are currently at the bottom of the table.

Team Form and Strengths

Dhaka Capitals

Dhaka Capitals began the season on a high but have since struggled, losing three games in a row. However, they still possess a strong squad with experienced overseas players and a solid domestic core. The team needs a quick turnaround, and this match could be the perfect opportunity.

Batsmen to Watch:

• Shamim Hossain Patwari has been the standout performer with the bat, scoring 113 runs in four innings at an average of 56.5 and a strike rate of 154.79. His form could be the key to a strong Dhaka innings.
• Mohammad Mithun and Usman Khan provide stability at the top and middle order.

Bowling Strength:

• The overseas duo of Imad Wasim and Ziaur Rahman have been consistent with the ball, with Imad taking four wickets at an average of 17.5 and an economy of five an over.
• Local talent like Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed also add pace and variety to the attack.

Noakhali Express

Noakhali Express are in a dire situation, having lost all four of their matches so far. However, they are not without talent, particularly in the bowling department. If they can contain the opposition and post a competitive total, they can still make a push in the tournament.

Batsmen to Watch:

• Mahidul Islam Ankon is the team's top run-scorer with 113 runs in four games but has struggled to convert starts into big scores.
• Shykat Ali and Habibur Rahman Sohan are expected to lead the batting charge.

Bowling Strength:

• Zahir Khan and Hasan Mahmud have been the standout performers, with Zahir taking six wickets at an average of 14.33 and an economy of 8.35.
• Hasan Mahmud has been particularly effective, picking up five wickets at an average of 14.4 and an economy of 5.14.

Venue Insights – Sylhet International Stadium

The Sylhet International Stadium has historically favored chasing teams, with batting second winning 57.6% of matches played here. The average first-innings score in 2026 is 138.63, suggesting a slightly lower-scoring pitch compared to previous years.

• Bowling Averages:

  • Fast bowlers average 24.83
  • Spin bowlers average 26.50

• Wickets per Over Phase:

  • Powerplay: 1.75 wickets
  • Middle Overs: 2.46 wickets
  • Death Overs: 2.07 wickets

This suggests that the pitch is likely to offer assistance to both bowlers and batters, with the middle and death overs being particularly crucial.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first-ever meeting between Dhaka Capitals and Noakhali Express in the BPL, making it an intriguing clash. Dhaka's experience and consistency could give them the edge in this encounter.

Players to Watch

Dhaka Capitals

• Shamim Hossain Patwari – The run-machine with the bat.
• Imad Wasim – Wicket-taking machine and experienced all-rounder.
• Ziaur Rahman – Reliable spinner who can trouble batters.

Noakhali Express

• Zahir Khan – Wicket-taking pacer with a good economy.
• Hasan Mahmud – Consistent and impactful in the middle overs.
• Habibur Rahman Sohan – Needs to convert starts into big scores.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Dhaka Capitals
• Match Winner: Dhaka Capitals
• Top Batter Runs Scored: Shamim Hossain (Dhaka Capitals), Habibur Rahman Sohan (Noakhali Express)
• Top Bowler Wickets Taken: Imad Wasim (Dhaka Capitals), Hasan Mahmud (Noakhali Express)
• Most Sixes: Shamim Hossain (Dhaka Capitals), Habibur Rahman Sohan (Noakhali Express)
• Player of the Match: Shamim Hossain (Dhaka Capitals)
• Team Scores Batting First: Dhaka Capitals 140+, Noakhali Express 140+

Final Thoughts

Dhaka Capitals are the slight favorites in this encounter, given their better form and the presence of a strong overseas contingent. However, Noakhali Express have the bowling firepower to pull off an upset, especially if they can execute their plans well. The Sylhet pitch could play a big role in determining the outcome, and with the toss likely to be crucial, we can expect a tight and exciting match.

Catch all the action live from 07:00 AM GMT at the Sylhet International Stadium.
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