Bangabandhu T20 Cup Final: Gemcon Khulna vs Gazi Group Chattogram Predictions and Preview

And so it is that for the last time (bar subsequent iterations of this seemingly one-off tournament), we start writing an article with ‘Bangabandhu T20 Cup’ being the first words. It’s been a long and interesting journey for the teams, and it’s safe to say that the two best teams made it to the final. Chattogram, of course, dominated the tournament with only two losses overall, but Khulna beat them in the one match that mattered, and in a manner which showed that they have the power to do it again if necessary. It’s going to be an intense, heated battle for this important domestic cup, and before it begins, let’s take a look at the two sides.

Gemcon Khulna Preview & Form

Slaying a giant is never easy, and the act usually gets all the attention it deserves. However, it also has the power to make one believe themselves to be invincible. In their last match, Khulna finally defeated their own demons along with Chattogram. Jahurul Islam opened with a rock-solid 80 off 51, and with the help of powerful quickfire knocks from Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mahmudullah Riyad, posted a commanding 210. When defending that total, the legendary Mashrafe mortaza ripped through the Chattogram lineup with a 5-wicket haul to all but seal the game for his side, with Hasan Mahmud and Ariful Haque picking up two each. In the end, Khulna won by 47 runs. Shakib Al Hasan, however, will be missing the final due to family reasons.

Gazi Group Chattogram Preview & Form

After their defeat in the first qualifier, Chattogram had to go through rivals Beximco Dhaka to reach the final - and they did so in style. Mustafizur Rahman was in his element (albeit somewhat expensive) as he picked up 3, but it was Shoriful Islam who was the right combination of economical and effective to pick up another two. Combined with the other bowlers - who all took a wicket - Chattogram locked Dhaka down for a measly 116. On the chase, Liton Das led the way with 40, while captain Mohammad Mithun kept up his form from the previous game to get a steady 34. Eventually, Chattogram won comfortably with 7 wickets in hand and 5 balls to go.

Khulna vs Chattogram Predictions

With literally everything on the line, Khulna players will no doubt give it all they’ve got. Expect Jahurul Islam and Mahmudullah Riyad to excel with the bat, while Shohidul Islam and Mashrafe Mortaza follow suit with the ball.

Chattogram’s dominance in the tournament will all have been for nothing. Expect Liton Das and Mohammad Mithun to hit a fair few, while Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam keep up their incisive bowling.

Can Khulna trump out the southeastern giants to keep the cup? Or will Chattogram regain their dominance to close things on a high note? Find out if our Gemcon Khulna vs Gazi Group Chattogram predictions come true on Friday!