The reason why Comilla Victorians and the Rangpur Riders have claimed the top two spots is simple: their local players have actively supported the overseas cricketers.

And when the two teams will meet today at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur for the first qualifier, there's no doubt that the performance of the local players will be crucial.

The Victorians, for instance, have banked on the likes of Abu Hider and Imrul Kayes. Hider is currently the joint-highest wicket-taker of the competition alongside Shakib Al Hasan with 17 wickets. The energetic young pacer bowled clever lines and has been a joy to watch with all his aggression.

Similarly, Imrul, albeit after a couple of ducks, has gone on to look extremely comfortable at the top of the order. Although he is yet to get a half-century, he is Comilla's highest run-getter in the competition and has batted with an immense amount of freedom lately.

A lot however, will also depend upon Comilla's foreign quadrant. Luckily for Comilla, all the overseas players in the team have been in good touch. Ever since his arrival, Ahmed Shehzad has been terrific form. He averages above 40 and has been the batsman that Comilla has leaned on. Ashar Zaidi may not be a big name but he too has been consistent both with bat and ball. The two other foreign players likely to play for Comilla tomorrow are Shoaib Malik and Andre Russel. Although an inform Nuwan Kulasekara might just replace either of these players.

The Rangpur Riders have been a lot more dependent upon their local players. The roles played by the likes of Shakib Al Hasan, Jahurul Islam and Arafat Sunny have been pivotal. While Shakib has done his part with the ball, he is yet to click with the bat and there's no better occasion for him to do so than today.

With 196 runs in eight matches, Jahurul has averaged 49 in this competition so far and has arguably been the most consistent batsman amongst the local players.

There will also be a lot of burden on Arafat who has scalped 15 wickets in the competition so far and has an average of 13.26. The four overseas players that the Riders are likely to employ today areThisara Perera, Darren Sammy, Mohammad Nabi and Lendl Simmons.

Of the four, it is Perera who has been the most effective so far. He has bowled a tight line and has also helped the batting line-up with his aggression.

The head-to-head analysis amongst the players is tight. With the match featuring arguably two of the most aggressive Bangladeshi captains, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Shakib, there's no doubt that we are set for a thriller.