Rajshahi Warriors vs Chattogram Royals Prediction & Match Preview – BPL Qualifier 1

Qualifier 1 of the 2025-26 Bangladesh Premier League pairs Rajshahi Warriors with Chattogram Royals at Mirpur. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Rajshahi finished the league phase at the top of the standings and signed off by beating these same opponents by three wickets, so they arrive with momentum and a direct route to the final within reach.

Rajshahi’s openers Sahibzada Farhan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim have been inconsistent, and a solid start from them would ease the load on a middle order built around Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim and James Neesham, with Ryan Burl and Akbar Ali down the order. The attack looks well balanced. Jahandad Khan and Neesham are expected to hunt early wickets, Tanzim Hasan Sakib is in confidence after four wickets in the last game, and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Hasan Murad and Burl add middle-over control.

Chattogram, led by Mahedi Hasan, also had a good season but would have preferred a better send-off than a 42-run defeat to the Dhaka Capitals, in which their batting fell short. Mohammad Naim has been among their most dependable scorers and needs to start well alongside Mohammad Haris, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam and Hasan Nawaz asked to improve in the middle order. Their bowling has been a strength all tournament. Shoriful Islam has regularly troubled batters and looks for early strikes with Mukidul Islam, while Tanvir Islam and Aamer Jamal hold the middle overs, backed by Mahedi and Nawaz.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Mirpur normally provides a true surface with even bounce that suits strokeplay and partnerships. The new ball can seam a little early, but that help fades quickly, and the pitch tends to flatten in the middle overs before offering spinners some grip later. Par T20 totals here are usually 160–180, and evening dew can give chasing sides a slight edge. Teams with batting depth and a disciplined spin attack tend to do well.

Weather

Around 6:00 pm on 20 January, Dhaka should be clear and dry at about 23°C, cooling gradually after sunset. Winds are expected to be light and rain is very unlikely, as January is one of the driest months in the city.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 160–180
• 2nd innings: 155–170

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