Noakhali Express vs Chattogram Royals Prediction & Match Preview – BPL 2nd Match
Match summary
Noakhali Express vs Chattogram Royals BPL 2025-26 preview: debutants against last year’s runners-up, likely XIs, Sylhet pitch, weather and our pick.
Match details
| Match | Noakhali Express vs Chattogram Royals, 2nd Match |
|---|---|
| Series | Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 |
| Date | 26 Dec 2025 |
| Start time | 1:45 pm GMT / 7:45 pm local |
| Venue | Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Chattogram Royals |
| Toss pick | Noakhali Express |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Noakhali Express begin their Bangladesh Premier League journey against Chattogram Royals in the second match of the 2025-26 season, at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday, 26 December.
Noakhali look well balanced on paper, with a solid batting line-up and promising bowlers. Captain Soumya Sarkar has scored 1,641 BPL runs in 101 innings at a strike rate of 114, and Johnson Charles and Sabbir Hossain should help set the tone. Mohammad Nabi and Jaker Ali are expected to steady the middle order, while Hasan Mahmud and Mehedi Hasan Rana lead the pace attack and Nazmul Islam Apu could make an impact.
Chattogram were runners-up last season and arrive confident. Mohammad Naim was the leading run-scorer in the previous BPL with 511 runs in 14 innings at an average of 42.58 and a strike rate of 144, and Paul Stirling and Avishka Fernando add international experience. Angelo Perera offers balance with a few overs of spin. Shoriful Islam took 17 wickets at an economy of 9.06 in BPL 2024, and captain Mahedi Hasan and Tanvir Islam will control the middle overs.
A total above 170 could put the chasing side under real pressure, according to our preview, while anything below 155 would need disciplined bowling to defend.
T20 pitches at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium usually offer a balanced contest. The new ball can move early, which makes the Powerplay important, and the surface slows as the innings goes on to help spinners and cutters. Batters often need time before playing freely. Dew can become a factor in evening matches and favour the chasing side, with 150–165 often competitive.
A pleasant, clear evening is forecast for the 7:45 pm local start, with temperatures around 18–20 °C, no threat of rain, moderate humidity and a light breeze.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 160–175 | – |
| Second innings | 145–165 | – |
Chattogram Royals
Chattogram were runners-up last season and have an experienced batting group, while Noakhali are playing their first BPL match.
Toss pick: Noakhali Express
FAQ
Who is likely to win Noakhali Express vs Chattogram Royals?
Our preview picks Chattogram Royals, last season’s runners-up, over the debutants.
Is this Noakhali Express’s first BPL match?
Yes, they are making their first appearance in the Bangladesh Premier League.
Will dew matter?
Dew in the later stages can reduce grip for bowlers and favour the chasing team.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Noakhali Express
- Maaz Sadaqat
- Habibur Rahman Sohan
- Sabbir Hossain
- Haider Ali
- Shykat Alic
- Jaker Aliwk
- Mahidul Islam Ankon
- Zahir Khan
- Ihsanullah
- Hasan Mahmud
- Mehedi Hasan Rana
Chattogram Royals
- Mohammad Naim
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Mahfijul Islam
- Mirza Tahir Baig
- Mahedi Hasanc
- Masood Gurbazwk
- Ziaur Rahman
- Tanvir Islam
- Abu Hider Rony
- Shoriful Islam
- Mukidul Islam