BB T20 Cup Match 14: Gemcon Khulna vs Minister Rajshahi Predictions

Gemcon Khulna were always tipped to be one of the favourites, but with their recent performances, they have really started to live up to that prediction. Given their lineup, they have the potential to beat any team in the league on paper. Next up, they face a team that defeated them first time around, but has been down on its luck as of late. Minister Rajshahi have done the very opposite of Dhaka, and followed two wins with three straight losses. Without the presence of many star players, their squad seems to be suffering from the same lack of experience or great skill that is plaguing Fortune Barishal. With a realistic chance of being knocked out of contention driving fear into their hearts, Rajshahi will be intent on moving further up the points table. Two competitive teams, two competition points up for grabs; before the scramble begins, let’s take a look at the sides.

Gemcon Khulna Preview & Form

When Khulna lost two on the trot after being gifted a win at the start, it seemed as though they didn’t quite deserve that first win. Now that they’ve overturned those losses to climb to second place, they’re looking like a much better team. In their last match, they struck up a good partnership despite losing an opener early. Zakir Hasan starred with 63 off 42, with Imrul Kayes adding another 37 off 34 to take their score to a very good 173. On the defense, Hasan Mahmud, Shuvagata Hom, and Shohidul Islam took 2 each to put them in pole position, and before all the legal deliveries had been bowled, Barishal were bowled out for a meager 125. 

Minister Rajshahi Preview & Form

Things haven’t been pleasant over at the Rajshahi camp, because when you start off at the top of the table only to fall from grace with three straight blunders, it’s only natural. In their last game, they seemed to have Beximco Dhaka on the ropes with some good early wickets, but they came back to fight their way to 175. During their attempt to top that, only Rony Talukdar and Fazle Mahmud did anything substantial, with the duo adding 98 between them for only 66. Everyone else, however, failed miserably with the third-highest score being a pathetic 14. Eventually, Rajshahi could only muster 150, and were bowled out with 5 balls to go.

Predictions

As we’ve always maintained, Khulna have some serious firepower, and they’re finally starting to show up. Expect Ariful Haque, Mahmudullah Riyad, Shohidul Islam, and Hasan Mahmud to put up solid performances.

Rajshahi’s early successes are starting to look like flukes, and they’ll have to turn their campaign around to prove otherwise. Expect Najmul Hossain Shanto and Fazle Mahmud to build up some serious runs, while Mukidul Islam and Mahedi Hasan shine with the ball.

Can Gemcon Khulna continue their comeback to breathe down Chattogram’s neck? Or will Minister Rajshahi prove that their first encounter was no lucky affair? Find out if our Gemcon Khulna vs Minister Rajshahi predictions come true on Sunday!