Rajshahi Warriors vs Rangpur Riders, 21st Match

The 21st match of the Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 between Rajshahi Warriors and Rangpur Riders promises to be an engaging contest. Rajshahi Warriors have shown a mixed form in their recent games, managing two wins out of their last five, with their batting lineup being recalibrated after a series of middle-order failures. Their key performers have been Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Fahim Muntasir, both playing crucial roles with the bat and ball respectively. Rangpur Riders, on the other hand, have been more consistent, winning three of their last five matches. Their strength lies in a balanced lineup led by prolific scorer Imrul Kayes and lethal spinner Al Amin Hossain. The head-to-head record slightly favors Rangpur Riders, who have edged out Rajshahi in four out of their last seven encounters. Strategically, Rajshahi will likely look to stabilize early batting and deploy their frontline bowlers effectively in the middle overs to choke scoring. Rangpur Riders will bank on their top-order fireworks to set or chase sizable targets. Given the form, team balance, and historical data, Rangpur Riders appear to hold a slight edge, though the home comfort for Rajshahi might level the contest.

Rajshahi Warriors: 47%, Rangpur Riders: 53%

If Rajshahi Warriors bat first, considering the Sylhet pitch which offers moderate bounce and some assistance to spinners, they could post a competitive total around 165-175. Their middle-order depth will be key to accelerating after a solid platform. Conversely, Rangpur Riders batting first are likely to aim for a target in the range of 170-180, leveraging their power hitters in the top order and exploiting any early swing or spin. The pitch tends to slow slightly after 10-12 overs, making a good start critical for both teams. Both sides have the batting firepower to cross the 170+ mark, but conditions favor disciplined bowling and running between the wickets for an optimal score.

The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium generally offers a balanced pitch with a slight advantage to spinners as the game progresses. Average first-innings scores here hover around 165 in T20 matches, with a nearly 52% win record for teams chasing, indicating marginally easier batting under lights. Weather forecasts for January 11 show clear skies with minimal chance of rain, temperature ranging between 20-24°C, and light winds, presenting near-ideal conditions for cricket. Best bowler records on this ground between the two sides highlight Fahim Muntasir from Rajshahi with 12 wickets at an economy rate of 6.8. Top batsman includes Imrul Kayes, who has amassed 320 runs in 7 matches here at a strike rate of 138. The best match performance remains a 4/18 by Fahim Muntasir and a 78* by Imrul Kayes, setting benchmarks for players.

Matches Played	7
Rajshahi Warriors Wins	3
Rangpur Riders Wins	4

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches	Wins
Rajshahi Warriors	W, L, L, W, L	2
Rangpur Riders	W, W, L, W, L	3

Mehedi Hasan Miraz: Recently pivotal with steady batting performances averaging over 30 in last five games and key breakthroughs with the ball.

Fahim Muntasir: Leading Rajshahi’s bowling attack with consistent wicket-taking abilities and economical spells that hem in the opposition.

Abu Hider: Providing crucial late-innings firepower and breakthroughs in the middle overs for Rajshahi.

Imrul Kayes: Rangpur’s top scorer with aggressive starts and a strike rate above 135 in recent matches, setting foundation for big totals.

Al Amin Hossain: Effective spinner who has claimed wickets at critical junctures and controls the middle overs brilliantly.

Shahriar Nafees: Experienced campaigner offering stability in Rangpur’s middle order and handy with crucial boundaries under pressure.