Barisal Bulls vs Chittagong Vikings Prediction

They look a very formidable force with the bat with the likes of Chris Gayle, Tamim Iqbal, Dwayne Smith and Shoaib Malik in their ranks. Tamim Iqbal and Chris Gayle will be the key batsmen for the Vikings and they could take the team off to a blazing start. Gayle - arguably the world's most destructive T20 batsman - had scored a flashy 92 off 47 deliveries while playing for the Bulls last year against the Vikings. We predict him to top-score for his side in this match.

Mohammad Nabi and Taskin Ahmed will be looked at for doing the job for the Vikings with the ball. Nabi has picked up wickets on a consistent basis for Afghanistan in the limited overs format and the offspinner could get some assistance from the pitch at this ground. Taskin Ahmed, however, seems to be their most potent bowler at the moment. The fast bowler was impressive against England and the Barisal Bulls will be wary of him.

Barisal Bulls vs Chittagong Vikings Betting Odds

Despite finishing as runners-up last year, Barisal Bulls are outsiders for this match at 2.1 with 1xbet and 2.30 with bet365. Much of it has to do with the exclusion of several key players, especially that of Chris Gayle. The explosive West Indian batsman has signed up with Chittagong Vikings who have also added some more big names to their squad. They are favorites to win this match at 1.69 and 1.61 with betfair and bet365 respectively.

Barisal Bulls vs Chittagong Vikings Prediction

Taking a look back at the past performances of the two teams in the BPL, it is Barisal Bulls who hold a clear edge over Chittagong Vikings. The former came runners-up last year with seven wins from ten games while the latter finished at the bottom of the standings with eight losses from their ten games. The Bulls have won more matches in the tournament and have an overall win percentage of 54.05 compared with the Vikings' 42.85. They have also beaten them in both the matches they have played against them in the past which is going to give them a big psychological advantage.

However, there is a major twist. The Bulls are now devoid of Mahmudullah, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis and Shabbir Rahman who were all vital cogs for them last season and their absence has left the team considerably weakened. The Vikings, on the other hand, have been bolstered with the inclusions of Gayle, Smith, Malik, Elliott and Tamim Iqbal and they now look a stronger side than the Bulls.

Barisal Bulls may have been the better side in the past but Chittagong Vikings now boast a superior squad which makes them the favorites to win this match.