Delhi Bulls vs Bangla Tigers Predictions: Abu Dhabi T10 3rd Match Preview

In the first match of Group B, the Bangla Tigers will be facing off against the Delhi Bulls. One might think that the India-Bangladesh rivalry of recent years will make this a hot contest, but while the Tigers have a couple of Bangladeshi talents, in an embarrassing or bizarre twist, there’s not a single Indian player in the Delhi Bulls. Nevertheless, both teams have their own merits, and it should be a solid contest without a doubt. The Tigers were 3rd last season, while the Delhi Bulls had a poor showing, but that as we’ve said before, the sheer number of changes in these teams makes comparisons unfair and pointless. 

Bangla Tigers

Announced squad

Afif Hossain (c), Isuru Udana, Noor Ahmad, Qais Ahmad, Johnson Charles (wk), Fazal Haque, Andre Fletcher, Mahedi Hasan, Adam Hose, Mohammad Irfan, Karim Janat, Aryan Lakra, Tom Moores (wk), Chirag Suri, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, David Wiese.

BT Predicted XI

Afif Hossain (c), Isuru Udana, Qais Ahmad, Johnson Charles (wk), Andre Fletcher, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Irfan, Karim Janat, Mahedi Hasan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, David Wiese. 

BT Preview and form

The Bangla Tigers are, according to leading sports sites, to be led by 21-year-old Afif Hossain, making this the third captaincy decision we’re seriously scratching our heads about. Perhaps the truth will be revealed tomorrow. Until then, the tigers have Afif Hossain, Andre Fletcher, Mahedi Hasan, Johnson Charles, and David Wiese to pile up the runs, with the first and last also accomplished bowlers. Among BT’s many all-rounders, Karim Janat and Isuru Udana also stand out, while Qais Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Irfan are the pure bowlers to watch out for.

BT Key players

Andre Fletcher: The West Indian opener had a highly inconsistent BBL campaign, and he’ll have to do better if he’s to make a mark here.

David Wiese: Wiese’s quickfire batting performances are just what a T10 innings needs.

Mohammad Irfan: The 7’1” giant might not be the most nuanced with his deliveries, but his ominous presence can be effective.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman: This Afghan spinner has been rising up the ranks of domestic leagues everywhere.

Delhi Bulls

Announced Squad

Dwayne Bravo, Shiraz Ahmad, Amad Butt, Dushmantha Chameera, Kashif Daud, Fidel Edwards, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ali Khan, Evin Lewis, Adam Lyth, Mohammad Nabi, Sherfane Rutherford, Waqar Salamkheil, Dasun Shanaka, Nyeem Young.

DB Predicted XI

Dwayne Bravo (c), Amad Butt, Dushmantha Chameera, Kashif Daud, Ali Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Evin Lewis, Adam Lyth, Mohammad Nabi, Waqar Salamkheil, Dasun Shanaka.

DB Preview and form

Led by West Indian legend Dwayne Bravo, the Bulls may not have any Indians in them, but they have plenty of young skill and experienced hands. There’s the sensational Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the potent Evin Lewis, Dasun Shanaka, and Adam Lyth, the untested Amad Butt, and the explosive Mohammad Nabi and Bravo himself. Among the bowlers, Bravo and Nabi come up again, but after that there isn’t much depth. Dushmantha Chameera is good, but nothing extraordinary. A few other lesser known players are also in the mix, and we’ll know their worth as the tournament progresses.

DB Key players

Dwayne Bravo: The main man of the Bulls will have to carry his team hard. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Gurbaz has become the talk of the town after scoring a century on his debut, and while he hasn’t been as good since, he clearly has immense potential.

Mohammad Nabi: Dangerous with both bat and ball, Nabi can be bad news for any opponent on his better days.

Dushmantha Chameera: Fast and capable, the speedster will have to improve his game and lead the bowling attack.

BT vs DB weather conditions and pitch report

Coming after two matches before it, the chance of rain will be dwindling, and things should be smooth with cool temperatures and some clouds in the evening sky. There will still be a slight breeze blowing and above average humidity, but again, neither should affect the game in any way. Despite the match being held deep in the evening, there shouldn’t be any dew as the air simply won't be cool enough.

As seen in the series between Afghanistan and Ireland, the pitch and the field are a little more in the favour of bowlers than batsmen, and both fast bowlers and spinners will enjoy the occasionally changing pace of the ball off the pitch, not to mention lateral movement. Additionally, with two matches having already been played by the time this one takes place, the pitch will a little more damaged especially in terms of the number of footmarks on it, giving bowlers something more to bowl at. Expect scores of 95+ to be difficult to chase.

Can the Tigers roar into the tournament? Or will the Bulls gore them out of the ring? Find out if our Bangla Tigers vs Delhi Bulls predictions come true on Thursday!