It has just been a few days since the Bangladesh Premier league 2022 started and we are already approaching the mid-point of the tournament – such has been the pace at which the tournament has progressed. All teams have had at least one win to their name and the tournament is set up for a cracking next stage.

Up next in the tournament, Comilla Victorians are set to take on Minister Group Dhaka in a match that will be of massive importance for both these sides, but for different reasons. Both sides are coming off wins in their respective last matches and will be raring to go here. The match between the two sides is to be played at Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram.

COMILLA WARRIORS VS MINISTER GROUP DHAKA TEAM PREVIEWS

COMILLA WARRIORS

With a win over Chattogram Challengers, Comilla Victorians completed a hat-trick of victories and consequently rose to the top of the table. With the way they have played, they have undoubtedly been the best side of the tournament up until now and their standings on the points table reflect that. They would want to win here in this upcoming match as well as another win here will push them a step closer to the knockouts.

As it currently stands on the points table, Comilla Victorians are placed at the top spot with three wins to their name in three matches. Their net run rate of 2.099 speaks volumes about how dominating they have been in the competition thus far. They have had all of their departments contribute for them up until now and keeping them quiet is not going to be easy.

Batting first in their last match, Comilla Victorians looked ruthless right from the outset as Faf du Plessis and Cameron Delport slammed a fifty each to take their side to a total of 183. They were pretty assured with their approach with the bat and were able to negotiate all phases of their innings beautifully.

If the match was set up by their batsmen, it was won by their bowlers. Mustafizur Rahman, Tanvir Islam, and Shohidul Islam all picked up a couple of wickets each to rock Chattogram Challengers at regular intervals. Karim Janat played the role of the fifth bowler beautifully. Nahidul Islam was the pick of their bowlers as he returned with the impressive figures of 3 for 17 in his four overs.

On paper, Comilla Victorians have a terrific side that has an excellent blend of youth and experience. With the likes of Litton Das, Faf du Plessis, and Cameron Delport, their batting lineup is as experienced as any. On the bowling front as well, the presence of Mustafizur Rahman provides them an edge at the death and in the powerplay. All in all, the Victorians have virtually everything going for them and will be brimming with confidence. If they don’t get complacent here and are able to play to their potential, they should cruise to a win here.

MINISTER GROUP DHAKA

If there’s any side in the tournament that can send scares down their opponents’ camp on the basis of on-paper firepower, it is none other than Minister Group Dhaka. Despite having a side loaded with talent and experience, Minister Group Dhaka have not been able to show the results and their execution is all to blame for it.

Currently, on the points table, the Minister Group are placed at the fourth spot with two wins and three losses. They haven’t been as dominating as they would have wanted to be and their poor net run rate of -0.204 is evidence of that. They have been a tad too inconsistent in the competition so far and having won their last match, they would want to get some consistency in their campaign.

Their recent win over Sylhet Sunrisers would have given them a bucketload of confidence. Chasing a total of 176, Minister Group Dhaka cruised to their target with nine wickets in hands and three overs to spare. Tamim Iqbal looked at his vintage best as he slammed an unbeaten 111 off 64 balls. He was ably assisted by Mohammad Shahzad, who scored 53 off 39. Their bowling, however, leaked plenty of runs in the middle-overs and that is one aspect that Dhaka would want to improve upon.

On paper, Minister Group Dhaka has a side that is as good as any. With the likes of Mohammad Naim, Mahmudullah, Andre Russell, and Mashrafe Mortaza to bat in the middle-order, they have a batting lineup that goes deep. However, they are still to come to terms with the conditions and once they do, they will be a very dangerous side to deal with. If they are able to hit their peak potential in this upcoming contest, getting past them will be remarkably difficult.

COMILLA VICTORIANS VS MINISTER GROUP DHAKA MATCH DETAILS

Match: Comilla Victorians vs Minister Group Dhaka, Match 15, Bangladesh Premier League 2022.

Date and Time: February 1st 2022, Tuesday; 12:00 PM IST.

Venue: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram.

PITCH REPORT

The pitch at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury is a good one for batting. Batters can play their strokes freely, as the ball comes nicely onto the bat. Bowlers will have to be disciplined on this surface.

WEATHER FORECAST

Clear skies should greet both teams on Tuesday. The temperature on matchday is expected to range between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius.

PROBABLE XIS

COMILLA VICTORIANS

Handy contributions from Liton Das (47), Faf du Plessis (83*) and Cameron Delport (51*) helped them score 183 in their last game. Their bowlers then stepped up to the task, with Nahidul Islam taking three scalps, as they beat the Challengers by 52 runs.

MINISTER GROUP DHAKA

Their bowlers struggled to pick wickets as the Sunrisers scored 175, in their last game. Tamim Iqbal and Mohammad Shahzad put up a solid opening stand, with the former hitting a brilliant century to guide his team across the line.

MATCH PREDICTION

Both teams are coming off comprehensive wins in their last fixtures, and are riding high on confidence. Minister Group Dhaka looks like a more settled unit, so expect them to come out on top on Tuesday.

Prediction: Minister Group Dhaka to win this game.