ZCZC
BSP-22
CRICKET-BPL-COMILLA
All-round Comilla secures 7-wicket win in BPL
CHATTOGRAM, Jan 29, 2019 (BSS)- An all-round performance from Comilla
Victorians helped them register an overwhelming seven-wicket victory (DLS
method) over Chittagong Vikings in the rain-hit 35th match of Bangladesh
Premier League T20 on Tuesday at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
The match was interrupted due to a light drizzle which made the play begin
10 minutes late.
Chasing a paltry winning target of 117-run set by Chittagong, Comilla
hardly had to worry as they comfortably chased down the target for the loss
of three wickets.
Thanks to Tamim Iqbal for his match-winning unbeaten half century. The
southpaw opener contributed 51-ball off 54 runs laced with four boundaries
and two over boundaries.
On his way to his half century, Tamim also shared 65-run for the second
wicket stand along with Shamsur Rahman who chipped away 22-ball off 36 runs
hitting three boundaries and two over boundaries.
The left handed batsman Tamim continued and notched up his second half-
century of this edition of the BPL. He remained unbeaten and ensured that his
team hunts down the target with 14 balls to spare.
Abu Jayed was the most successful bowler for Chittagong as he claimed two
Comilla’s wickets giving away 25 runs.
Shahid Afridi of Comilla was named the player of the match.
Earlier, a fierce bowling display by Comilla Victorians bowlers saw them to
restrict Chittagong Vikings at a paltry total of 116 in reduced 19 overs
after Chittagong won the toss and opted to bat first.
Saifuddin struck early on Chittagong’s innings removing Shadman Islam and
Yasir Ali who went back to the pavilion without disturbing the scoreboard.
Wahab Riaz then sent back Chittagong’s skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, leaving
Chittagong in a deep trouble.
Another opener Mohammad Shahzad looked confident with bat scoring 33-run
off 35 ball hitting two boundaries and one over boundary but he failed to get
any support at the other end as the Comilla’s bowlers picked up wickets in
regular intervals.
Cameo Mosaddek Hossain rescued Chittagong from total embarrassment making
unbeaten 25-ball off 43-run to take Chittagong over hundred runs landmark. He
smashed three boundaries and equal number of over boundaries.
Najibullah Zadran (13) was the other Chittagong’s batsman able to reach the
double figure.
Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Saifuddin and Wahab Riaz all shared six Comilla’s
wickets giving away 10, 23 and 23 runs respectively.
After the match Imrul Kayes, captain of Comilla Victorians, said: “I am
very happy as my team is doing well. Our bowling department was brilliant.
Everyone had a brilliant day. It was a complete team performance. I told him
(Tamim) to bat till the end of the match and he showed his experience.”
Chittagong Vikings skipper Mushfiqur Rahim said: “When you lose three in a
row, it’s not a good feeling. Hopefully, we will make a comeback in the next
game. We are not batting well in the power play. When you are losing, you can
point at a lot of things. Building partnerships is crucial. Our bowlers
bowled well. Hopefully, all our boys will be fit tomorrow.”
With this win, Comilla again moved to the top of the table with 14 points
from 10 matches while Chittagong remained at their previous credit of 12
points playing the same number of outings.
BSS/SG/ARS/1840 hrs