Rajshahi Warriors vs Chattogram Royals: Qualifier 1 Preview
Rajshahi Warriors Dominate the League Phase
Rajshahi Warriors (RJW) have been the standout team in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26, finishing at the top of the points table with eight wins in 10 matches. Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, the team has shown consistency and determination throughout the league phase. The Warriors’ last defeat was on January 9, and they will be looking to continue their winning streak in the playoffs.
Chattogram Royals Face Uphill Battle
On the other hand, Chattogram Royals (CHR) secured the second spot in the standings with six wins and four losses. However, they enter the playoffs on a shaky note, having suffered consecutive defeats against Rajshahi Warriors and Dhaka Capitals. The Royals will need to regroup and come back stronger if they aim to upset the table-toppers in the Qualifier 1 clash.
Head-to-Head Battle
In the two meetings between Rajshahi Warriors and Chattogram Royals this season, the head-to-head score stands at 1-1. Both teams will be eager to gain the upper hand in this crucial encounter and secure a spot in the final.
Predicted Playing XIs
Rajshahi Warriors: Sahibzada Farhan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mustafizur Rahman (WK), James Neesham, Akbar Ali, Ryan Burl, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Jahandad Khan, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Hasan Murad.
Chattogram Royals: Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Naim, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Hasan Nawaz, Mahedi Hasan (C), Asif Ali, Aamer Jamal, Tanvir Islam, Shoriful Islam, Mukidul Islam.
Key Players to Watch
Najmul Hossain Shanto: The leading run-scorer for Rajshahi Warriors, Najmul Hossain Shanto, will look to continue his impressive form in the crucial match. With 329 runs at an average of 36.56, Shanto will be a key player for the Warriors.
Shoriful Islam: Chattogram Royals’ bowler Shoriful Islam has been a standout performer in the tournament, picking up 23 wickets in 10 matches. With an average of 9.26 and an economy rate of 5.78, Islam will pose a threat to the Warriors’ batting lineup.
Match Prediction
With their dominant performance in the league phase and a strong lineup, Rajshahi Warriors are the favorites to win the Qualifier 1 clash against Chattogram Royals. However, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and the Royals will be eager to stage an upset and secure a spot in the final.
Stay tuned for an exciting battle between Rajshahi Warriors and Chattogram Royals at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday, January 20, in the BPL 2025-26 Qualifier 1.
Team Strategies and Form
As the Rajshahi Warriors enter the Qualifier 1 as the top team, they will be aiming to maintain their winning momentum and capitalize on their consistent performances. Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Warriors have displayed a balanced squad with strong batting and bowling departments. Their key players have delivered consistently throughout the season, with Sahibzada Farhan and James Neesham providing crucial contributions alongside Shanto.
On the other hand, the Chattogram Royals will be looking to bounce back from their recent losses and put up a strong fight against the Warriors. Led by Mahedi Hasan, the Royals will rely on the performances of Mohammad Naim and Shoriful Islam to turn the tide in their favor. The Royals will need to address their recent form and bring their A-game to challenge the table-toppers.
Pressure and Expectations
With a spot in the final at stake, both teams will be feeling the pressure of the knockout stage. The Rajshahi Warriors, being the favorites, will have the weight of expectations on their shoulders as they aim to secure a place in the championship match. On the other hand, the Chattogram Royals will enter the game as underdogs, which could work in their favor as they have the opportunity to play freely without the burden of high expectations.
Recent Performances and Player Form
Looking at the recent performances of both teams, the Rajshahi Warriors have been on an upward trajectory with convincing wins and strong individual displays. Their key players have been in form, contributing consistently and shaping the team’s success. On the other hand, the Chattogram Royals will need to address their recent setbacks and find ways to overcome the challenges posed by the Warriors.
Players like Mustafizur Rahman for the Warriors and Mahmudul Hasan Joy for the Royals will play crucial roles in determining the outcome of the match. With the pressure of the playoffs intensifying, the performance of each player will be under the spotlight, and their ability to handle the pressure will be crucial in shaping the result.
Final Thoughts
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the clash between the Rajshahi Warriors and the Chattogram Royals in the Qualifier 1 of the BPL 2025-26, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter. While the Warriors hold the edge based on their league performance and form, cricket has a way of springing surprises, and the Royals will be looking to create an upset and advance to the final.
With talented players on both sides and the stakes at their highest, the Qualifier 1 promises to be a contest filled with drama, skill, and excitement. As fans gear up to witness the battle unfold at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, the outcome remains uncertain, adding to the intrigue and anticipation surrounding the match.
Be sure to catch all the action as the Rajshahi Warriors take on the Chattogram Royals in a high-stakes encounter that will shape the destiny of the BPL 2025-26 season.
