BPL 2025/26 Match 17: Noakhali Express vs Rajshahi Warriors – Match Preview

Date: Thursday, 8th January 2026
Venue: Sylhet International Stadium
Time: 07:00 AM GMT | 12:30 PM IST | 01:00 PM Local

Match Overview

The 17th match of the BPL 2025/26 season promises to be an exciting encounter as the Noakhali Express take on the Rajshahi Warriors at the Sylhet International Stadium. With the Warriors in fine form and the Express battling to find their rhythm, this clash could set the tone for the remainder of the tournament for both sides.

Team Form and Strengths

Noakhali Express

The Noakhali Express have struggled in their opening five games, losing all of them. Despite the poor run, their batting line-up still has the firepower to post competitive totals, with Haider Ali and Mahidul Islam Ankon having already scored over 100 runs each this season. In the bowling department, Zahir Khan and Hasan Mahmud have been the standout performers, with the latter taking seven wickets at an impressive average of 12.71.

However, their lack of consistency in the middle order and the absence of a clear finisher could be a concern against a disciplined side like the Warriors.

Rajshahi Warriors

In contrast, the Rajshahi Warriors are enjoying a strong start to the season, having won three of their four matches to date. With Najmul Hossain Shanto as their key batter, the Warriors have a solid foundation at the top. Shanto has already scored 203 runs at an average of 67.66, and he is supported by the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim, who has contributed 112 runs at an average of 56.

The Warriors' bowling attack is equally formidable, with Ripon Mondol emerging as a standout performer. The off-spinner has taken six wickets at an average of just 9.33, making him a key threat in the middle overs. Tanzim Hasan Sakib also poses a threat with his ability to pick up crucial wickets.

Players to Watch

Noakhali Express

• Zahir Khan: Leading wicket-taker with 7 wickets at 16.85
• Hasan Mahmud: Reliable seamer with 7 wickets at 12.71
• Mohammad Nabi: Explosive finisher with the bat

Rajshahi Warriors

• Najmul Hossain Shanto: Top run-scorer with 203 runs at 67.66
• Ripon Mondol: Star spinner with 6 wickets at 9.33
• Mushfiqur Rahim: Anchor of the batting line-up

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Noakhali Express: 0 wins
• Rajshahi Warriors: 1 win

The Warriors have the edge in recent encounters, having defeated the Express comfortably in their last meeting on 29th December 2025.

Venue Insights – Sylhet International Stadium

The Sylhet International Stadium has seen a gradual increase in scoring in recent years, though the 2026 average of 144.10 suggests a relatively balanced pitch.

• Batting First Win Percentage: 42.6%
• Batting Second Win Percentage: 57.4%
• Wickets per Phase:
  • Powerplay: 1.92 wickets
  • Middle Overs: 2.45 wickets
  • Death Overs: 2.07 wickets

Spinners tend to thrive here, with an average of 26.70 and an economy of 7.16. Fast bowlers are slightly more effective in the death overs.

Squads

Noakhali Express

Shykat Ali, Johnson Charles, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Kusal Mendis, Jaker Ali, Habibur Rahman Sohan, Shahadat Hossain, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Nabi, Sabbir Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Hasan Mahmud, Ihsanullah, Mehedi Hasan Rana, Musfik Hasan, Nazmul Islam, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Zahir Khan, Abu Hasim, Rahmat Ali.

Rajshahi Warriors

Najmul Hossain Shanto, Akbar Ali, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakhir Hossain, Sahibzada Farhan, Tanzid Hasan, Yasir Ali, Dushan Hemantha, Hussain Talat, Jahandad Khan, Jishan Alam, SM Meherob, Mohammad Nawaz, James Neesham, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Wasi Siddiquee, Hasan Murad, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Sandeep Lamichhane, Ripon Mondol, Robiul Haque, Md Rubel.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Rajshahi Warriors
• Match Winner: Rajshahi Warriors
• Top Batter Runs: Mohammad Nabi (Noakhali Express), Najmul Hossain Shanto (Rajshahi Warriors)
• Top Bowler Wickets: Hasan Mahmud (Noakhali Express), Ripon Mondol (Rajshahi Warriors)
• Most Sixes: Mohammad Nabi (Noakhali Express), Najmul Hossain Shanto (Rajshahi Warriors)
• Player of the Match: Ripon Mondol (Rajshahi Warriors)

Final Verdict

The Noakhali Express will need to overcome their current slump and show greater consistency in both batting and bowling to challenge the in-form Rajshahi Warriors. However, with the Warriors boasting a balanced squad and a strong bowling attack, they are slight favorites to take another win at the Sylhet International Stadium.

Prediction: Rajshahi Warriors to win by 6-8 runs.

Stay tuned for live updates and ball-by-ball commentary as the match unfolds on 8th January 2026.
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