BPL 2025/26 Match 21: Rajshahi Warriors vs Rangpur Riders – Match Preview (11 January 2026)

Match Information

• Date: Sunday, 11 January 2026
• Venue: Sylhet International Stadium, Sylhet
• Time (GMT): 07:00 AM
• Time (IST): 12:30 PM
• Time (Local): 01:00 PM
• Match No.: 21
• Tournament: Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025/26
• Live Streaming: Fancode App & Website

Team Form and Performance

Rajshahi Warriors

• Matches Played: 6
• Wins: 4
• Position: 4th on the points table
• Key Run Scorers: Najmul Hossain Shanto (211 runs), Mushfiqur Rahim
• Key Bowlers: Ripon Mondol (9 wickets), Binura Fernando

The Warriors have been in decent form, having won three consecutive matches before a narrow loss to Chattogram Royals in a tense final-over clash. They have the advantage of having previously defeated Rangpur Riders in a thrilling Super Over encounter.

Rangpur Riders

• Matches Played: 6
• Wins: 4
• Position: 2nd on the points table, NRR: +0.500
• Key Run Scorers: Dawid Malan (203 runs), Litton Das, Mahmudullah
• Key Bowlers: Mustafizur Rahman (12 wickets), Sufiyan Muqeem

The Riders are in excellent form, having won four of their six games and maintaining a strong NRR. However, they were defeated by Noakhali Express in a tight last-over thriller, which may affect their confidence slightly.

Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 1
• Rajshahi Warriors Wins: 1
• Rangpur Riders Wins: 0
• Last Meeting: 1 January 2026 – Rajshahi Warriors won via Super Over

Venue Insights – Sylhet International Stadium

• Average First Innings Score (2022–2026): 146.21
• Batting First Win Percentage: 42.9%
• Batting Second Win Percentage: 57.1%
• Pitch Type: Balanced, with assistance for bowlers in the middle and death overs
• Ideal Strategy: Teams batting first can aim for 140–150, while chasing teams need to remain patient and build partnerships.

Key Players to Watch

Rajshahi Warriors

• Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain): The team's leading run-scorer and a reliable finisher.
• Ripon Mondol: The Warriors' best bowler in this tournament, with 9 wickets in 4 matches.
• Binura Fernando: Provides crucial late-order breakthroughs with a tight economy.
• Mushfiqur Rahim: Experienced batter with a knack for anchoring the innings.

Rangpur Riders

• Dawid Malan: Leading run-scorer for the Riders, with a consistent strike rate.
• Litton Das: Key middle-order anchor and a match-winner in tight situations.
• Mustafizur Rahman: The star bowler with 12 wickets in 6 matches, and a consistent economy rate.
• Sufiyan Muqeem: Economical wrist-spinner who can trouble batters in the death overs.

Probable Playing XIs

Rajshahi Warriors

1. Tanzid Hasan Tamim
2. Muhammad Waseem
3. Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
5. Ryan Burl
6. Akbar Ali
7. SM Meherob
8. Tanzim Hasan Sakib
9. Sandeep Lamichhane
10. Ripon Mondol
11. Binura Fernando

Rangpur Riders

1. Kyle Mayers
2. Litton Das
3. Dawid Malan
4. Towhid Hridoy
5. Mahmudullah
6. Khushdil Shah
7. Nurul Hasan (c & wk)
8. Aliss Al Islam
9. Mustafizur Rahman
10. Akif Javed
11. Rakibul Hasan

Match Prediction

With both teams in similar form and the Sylhet pitch favoring the chasing side, Rangpur Riders are expected to put in a strong performance with both bat and ball. Their balanced squad, including world-class all-rounders like Mahmudullah and Kyle Mayers, gives them an edge.

• Toss Prediction: Rajshahi Warriors
• Match Winner: Rangpur Riders
• Top Batter: Litton Das (Rangpur Riders)
• Top Bowler: Mustafizur Rahman (Rangpur Riders)
• Player of the Match: Mustafizur Rahman
• Most Sixes: Najmul Hossain Shanto or Litton Das

Final Thoughts

This promises to be an exciting clash between two evenly matched teams. The Warriors will look to avenge their previous defeat, while the Riders will aim to continue their good run of form. With a balanced pitch and high stakes, the match could go either way, but the Rangpur Riders' consistency and firepower might give them the edge.

Prediction: Rangpur Riders to win.
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