Noakhali Express vs Rangpur Riders – BPL 2025/26 Match 20 Preview

Date: Friday, 9th January 2026
Time: 01:00 PM GMT / 06:30 PM IST / 07:00 PM Local
Venue: Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet
Format: T20 – Bangladesh Premier League 2025/26
Match No.: 20

Match Preview

The 20th match of the Bangladesh Premier League 2026 will see Noakhali Express take on Rangpur Riders at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. This encounter promises to be a crucial one for both teams, with the Express looking to break their winless streak and the Riders aiming to extend their winning momentum.

The Sylhet pitch is expected to offer a fair contest between bat and ball, with early movement for fast bowlers and a slowing surface in the middle overs. With minimal dew expected, bowlers should find it relatively easier to maintain grip and control. The par score at this venue in recent matches has been around 160–165, with teams chasing totals in the 150–165 range.

Team Form

Noakhali Express

Noakhali Express has struggled in the tournament so far, failing to secure a single win in their opening matches. Their batting lineup has lacked consistency, while the bowling has been under constant pressure. If they are to break their losing streak, they will need a strong performance from their top order and a disciplined bowling attack.

Key Players:

• Hasan Mahmud – The veteran pacer is a key asset for the Express.
• Soumya Sarkar – Needs to deliver with the bat to give the team a solid start.
• Mehedi Hasan – Offers variations and has the potential to take wickets at crucial moments.

Rangpur Riders

In contrast, Rangpur Riders have been in good form, winning their previous encounters and building momentum. Their balanced squad and consistent performances in both batting and bowling have placed them among the top teams in the league. A win here would further solidify their position in the points table.

Key Players:

• Litton Das – A reliable middle-order batsman and a key run-scorer.
• Mustafizur Rahman – A T20 specialist with a knack for taking crucial wickets.
• Nayeem Hasan – Has been in excellent form with the ball and offers variety with his left-arm spin.

Head-to-Head

The head-to-head record between the two teams is evenly balanced, with both sides having tasted victory in past encounters. This match could go either way, but Rangpur Riders’ current form and consistency give them a slight edge.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

• Pitch: The Sylhet pitch is known for assisting fast bowlers early on, with the ball coming on to the bat nicely in the first 10 overs. As the game progresses, the surface tends to slow down slightly, favoring spinners in the middle and death overs.
• Weather: Clear skies are expected, with ideal conditions for a high-scoring T20 match. The temperature is expected to be around 18–20°C, and the humidity is moderate.

Expected Scores

• 1st Innings: 155–170
• 2nd Innings: 150–165

Key Matchups

1. Soumya Sarkar vs Mustafizur Rahman – A battle between a seasoned opener and a T20 maestro.
2. Litton Das vs Mehedi Hasan – The middle-order duel that could define the match.
3. Powerplay Performance – Both teams will look to capitalize on the early overs to set a competitive total.

Prediction

Rangpur Riders come into this match with more momentum and a balanced squad. If they can post a score in the 160–165 range and maintain discipline with the ball, they should be in a good position to win. However, Noakhali Express will be eager to prove themselves and could pull off an upset if their key players deliver.

Predicted Winner: Rangpur Riders

Full Squads

Noakhali Express

1. Mohammad Shykat Ali (C)
2. Soumya Sarkar
3. Kusal Mendis
4. Johnson Charles
5. Mahidul Islam Ankon
6. Jaker Ali Anik
7. Habibur Rahman Sohan
8. Mohammad Musfik Hasan
9. Shahadat Hossain Dipu
10. Rejaur Rahman
11. Nazmul Islam Apu
12. Abu Hashem
13. Mehedi Hasan
14. Haider Ali
15. Rahmatullah Ali
16. Ihsanullah Khan

Rangpur Riders

1. Litton Kumar Das (C)
2. Towhid Hridoy
3. Nahid Rana
4. Rakibul Hasan
5. Al-Amin Hossain
6. Mrittunjoy Chowdhury
7. Nayeem Hasan
8. Kamrul Islam Rabbi
9. Mahmudullah
10. Abdul Halim
11. Iftakhar Hossain Ifti
12. Mehedi Hasan Sohag
13. Emilio Gay
14. Muhammad Akhlaq
15. Nurul Hasan Sohan
16. Khawaja Nafay

Conclusion

This match could be a turning point for Noakhali Express, who need a win badly to keep their campaign alive. However, Rangpur Riders are the stronger side at the moment and are favorites to come out on top. The Sylhet pitch is likely to set up a high-scoring game, and the team that starts well and maintains composure under pressure will have the edge.

Don’t miss the action!
Tune in to the match at 01:00 PM GMT.
Venue: Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Format: T20.
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