Chattogram Royals won the toss and opted to bowl against Rajshahi Warriors in the Bangladesh Premier League final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.
The two sides faced each other thrice in this edition, including in the league phase and the qualifiers. Chaottgram won twice and Rajshahi clinched victory in the other instance.
Chattogram, taken over by the Bangladesh Cricket Board on the eve of the tournament, banked on their bowlers to restrict Rajshahi. Shoriful Islam -- the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps -- will be looking to make the new ball talk, while skipper Mahedi Hasan and Tanvir Islam will be looking to keep it tight and do some damage in the spin department for Chattogram. Chattogram made no changes to their lineup that won the first qualifier against the same opposition. Shoriful, Aamer Jamal, and Mukidul Islam make up the pace trio, while Tanvir and Mahedi are in charge of the spin attack. The part-time off-spin option of Hasan Nawaz can also be expected to be used by Mahedi.
Meanwhile, Rajshahi captain Najmul Hossain Shanto -- the third highest run-getter with 344 runs -- will be hoping for a big knock to propel his side to a challenging total. Rajshahi's openers -- Sahibzada Farhan and Tanzid Tamim -- have played a key role in setting up scores for the team and will once again be important factors in the Powerplay. The arrival of New Zealand star Kane Wiiliamson has strengthened the batting; the right-hander is a major attraction for fans and will be looking for another high-calibre knock to set up a solid total for Rajshahi. His fellow Black Caps teammate Jimmy Neesham found rhythm to help Rajshahi seal a spot in the final and will be the key all-rounder.
Chattogram Royals XI
Mirza Baig, Mohammad Naim, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Hasan Nawaz, Asif Ali, Mahedi Hasan (c), Aamer Jamal, Tanvir Islam, Zahiduzzaman (wk), Mukidul Islam, Shoriful Islam.
Rajshahi Warriors XI
Sahibzada Farhan, Tanzid Tamim, Kane Williamson, Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), SM Meherob, Jimmy Neesham, Abdul Ghaffar, Tanzim Sakib, Hasan Murad, Binura Fernando
