Noakhali Express vs Rangpur Riders, 20th Match

The upcoming 20th match of the Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 features Noakhali Express taking on Rangpur Riders at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Both teams have showcased fluctuating form this season, making this clash particularly intriguing. Noakhali Express started the tournament with strong momentum, boasting powerful hitters and a versatile bowling attack. Their key player, Mohammad Zaman, has accumulated runs consistently at the top order, and the bowling spearhead Arif Hossain has been crucial in death overs. Rangpur Riders, on the other hand, have relied heavily on their experienced all-rounders and possibly the pace duo of Shafiq Rahman and Tanvir Islam, who have been effective at restricting runs and taking timely wickets. Head-to-head encounters favor Rangpur Riders marginally, having won 3 out of 5 prior matches against Noakhali Express this season and previous editions, but recent performance swings the advantage slightly. Rangpur’s middle order has shown vulnerability under pressure, while Noakhali’s bowling depth can exploit those weaknesses. Strategically, Noakhali may look to exploit the initial powerplay by aggressively targeting Rangpur’s opening bowlers, while Rangpur will aim to contain runs upfront and attack in the middle overs. Given the balance of team form, individual brilliance, and the pitch conditions expected, the winning probability slightly leans towards Rangpur Riders with their experience in pressure scenarios, but Noakhali’s attacking unit cannot be underestimated.

Winning Probability - Noakhali Express: 47%, Rangpur Riders: 53%

If Noakhali Express bats first, a total around 160-170 runs is achievable on the Sylhet pitch given their strong top-order hitters and depth in batting. They generally prefer a steady start followed by acceleration in the last five overs. Conversely, if Rangpur Riders get to bat first, given their slightly inconsistent middle order but effective strike rotation, 155-165 runs would be a competitive first innings score. The pitch tends to assist stroke play but offers some assistance to seamers early on, so initial overs will be crucial.

The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium pitch is traditionally balanced, offering a little assistance to seam bowlers early in the innings while easing out for the batters as the match progresses. The average first-innings score at this venue in BPL matches is approximately 165 runs. Teams batting second have won 55% of games here, indicating modestly favorable conditions for chasers, provided they handle early bowling pressure well. Weather forecasts for the evening predict clear skies and mild humidity, ideal for cricket. The best bowler on this ground between these teams is Rangpur Riders' Tanvir Islam, who has recorded figures of 4 for 22 here previously. The highest individual batsman’s score at this venue for Noakhali Express is Mohammad Zaman's unbeaten 92, while Rangpur Riders’ top ground performer is Shafiq Rahman with 88 runs in a recent encounter.

Matches Played	Noakhali Express Wins	Rangpur Riders Wins	Ties/No Results
5	2	3	0

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches W-L	Points
Noakhali Express	3 Wins - 2 Losses	6
Rangpur Riders	4 Wins - 1 Loss	8

Mohammad Zaman - Noakhali Express' stylish opener is in great touch, having scored 320 runs in 6 innings with a strike rate of 138. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate is vital.

Arif Hossain - The death-over specialist bowler has taken 12 wickets in the tournament, including several crucial breakthroughs under pressure adding depth to Noakhali’s bowling attack.

Shafiq Rahman - Rangpur Riders’ spearhead pacer has consistently hit good lengths, claiming 14 wickets in the last 5 matches, proving to be difficult for batsmen on this pitch.

Tanvir Islam - With a knack for breaking partnerships, Tanvir’s swing bowling has troubled Noakhali’s middle order, and his 3 four-wicket hauls highlight his impact potential.

Rafiq-ul Haque - Rangpur Riders’ middle order batsman has shown resilience under pressure, averaging 45 in recent matches and can shift momentum with quickfire innings.