ZCZC
BSP-21
CRICKET-MAHMUD
Disgraceful not to bat till 50 overs: Khaled Mahmud
DHAKA, April 7, 2019 (BSS)-Abahani head coach Khaled Mahmud Sujon came down heavily on his team, stating that his side’s lack of ability to bat for full 50 overs against Legends of Rupganj as ‘disgraceful’ matter.
The defending champions Abahani Limited were skittle out for 122 in just 39.1 overs and subsequently suffered a humiliating six-wicket defeat to Legends of Rupganj in a DPL game, what was considered as high-voltage clash.
Mahmud, also the former Bangladesh skipper and a BCB director, didn’t have any complain over the defeat but he didn’t accept the manner in which Abahani surrendered in the crucial clash of the season.
By virtue of the victory, Rupganj displaced Abahani from the top spot to lead the point table solely with 18 points from 10 games.
“The kind of batting line up we have got, we should have done well,” Mahmud said. “We could have scored 280. Even if we scored 220-230, we could have fought hard. But what is the disgraceful matter is that we couldn’t bat till 50 overs with this kind of mighty batting line up.”
Abahani lost the all important toss in a pitch which was under cover due to overnight thunderstorm and rain, making it bit wet.
The Rupganj pacers utilised the moisture to swing the ball and reduced Abahani to 29-5 with Subashis Roy (3-37) and Mohammad Shahid (2-15) making the most of the damage. Abahani could never recover from that tricky position and eventually give up the game.
“Toss was definitely vital but if we could score 240 and lost the game, that was okay. We can’t bat full 50 overs, that’s the big matter.”
Given the nature of the pitch, Rubel Hossain could be handy but Abahani didn’t select him as they want him to be fresh during the Super League phase.
“Everyone is fit but we have given Rubel a rest for a week. We’ll get the service of all important players during the Super League phase,” he concluded.
BSS/SMP/SMM/1735 hrs