Chance for batsmen to step up as Mahmudullah XI face Najmul XI

Mahmudullah XI will take on the Najmul XI in the fourth match of the BCB President's Cup on Saturday at the Mirpur Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The two sides met each other in the first match of the tournament where the Najmul XI beat the Mahmudullah XI quite convincingly by four wickets.

All the teams in the tournament have bagged a win each which makes the second half of the tournament very interesting. The two top sides will face each other in the final of the tournament on October 23.

The matches in the tournament have been low-scoring ones and particularly the seamers have found a great deal of success. The fast bowling trio of Taskin Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain and Mukidul Islam Mugdho rattled the Mahmudullah XI in the first match. Mahmudullah XI pacer Ebadot Hossain was also impressive in that match, picking up three wickets. Sumon Khan and Rubel Hossain also bowled magnificently against the Tamim XI.

Mushfiqur Rahim's return to form with the bat is a relief for the Najmul XI. The veteran batsman was in short of runs in the two-day practice matches and the first match of the President's Cup. But in the previous match against Tamim XI, Mushfiqur played a superb knock of 103 against a formidable bowling line-up despite not being able to take him over the line. But the innings will certainly give him confidence ahead of an important game.

The form of the top order is a cause of concern for Mahmudullah as it didn't fire in either of the matches and he will expect Liton Das and Naim Sheikh to put on a good show.

The eyes will also be on the two leg-spinners- Aminul Islam Biplob of Mahmudullah XI and Rishad Hossain of Najmul XI. They haven't yet made a mark in the tournament but their skippers will want them to deliver the goods.

Ahead of the match, Mahmudullah XI wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan Sohan said, "It's a great thing for Bangladesh cricket that a lot of cricketers are performing. It's a great platform and I would like to thank the BCB for arranging such a tournament. I hope everyone will regain their rhythm through the tournament."

Sohan mentioned that he has been working hard on skills and trying to give his best. "Wherever I play, I always try to give my hundred per cent. I always believe that I need to compete with myself. I am working on my batting and keeping and hope that I will deliver the goods."

The match will start at 1.30  pm on Saturday. 

Teams:

Mahmudullah XI: Mahmudullah (c), Naim Sheikh, Liton Das, Mominul Haque, Mahmudul Hasan, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Sabbir Rahman, Imrul Kayes, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Rakibul Hasan, Aminul Islam Biplob,  Sumon Khan, Abu Hider.

Najmul XI: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Afif Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, Irfan Sukkur, Parvez Hossain Emon, Taskin Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain, Mukidul Islam Mugdho, Nayeem Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Abu Jayed.