BSP-27 Ruthless Watson consigns Sylhet to 9th defeat in BBPL

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Ruthless Watson consigns Sylhet to 9th defeat in BBPL

SYLHET, Jan 3, 2020 (BSS) – Captain Shane Watson led from the front with a cracking 36 ball-68 as Rangpur Rangers clinched a 38-run victory over a listless Sylhet Thunder to grab their fourth victory in the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium here today.

Thanks to Watson’s first half-century in the tournament, Rangpur compiled a hefty 199-5, the highest score so far in Sylhet part of the BBPL.

It however proved to be too much for Sylhet to handle as they were restricted to 161-9 in 19.5 overs with the last batsman Monir Hossain was unable to bat due to injury.

Watson smashed six fours and five sixes in the knock which led the run-fest in front of a holiday crowd. Opener Naim Sheikh made 42 off 33 with seven fours and one six.

The duo combined for a 77-run for the opening stand after Sylhet Thunder sent them in batting.

Naim scored consistently in this tournament but consistently got out when a big knock appears to be on the cards. And this time also it was no different as he got dismissed by Monir Hossain.

Watson who fell for single digit figure in the last four matches, finally broke the jinx and kept the fielders busy, hitting the bowlers all corner of the park.

Cameron Delport also looked to be in threatening mood as he played a second fiddle to Watson to share further 61-run for the second wicket stand.

As the match entered into the last powerplay with Watson and Delport looking set for final carnage, Ebadot Hossain brought a huge relief, dismissing Delport and Watson in consecutive deliveries.

Delport made 25 off 18 with two sixes while Watson was undone by a perfect Yorker.

Sylhet then strangled Rangpur innings before Mohammad Nabi (23) and Fazle Rabbi (16*) broke the shackle to take the side closer to 200.

Ebadot claimed 2-30 in his four overs while Krishmar Santokie, Monir Hossain and Sherfane Rutherford took one wicket apiece.

Sylhet captain Andre Fletcher started chasing in whirlwind fashion but couldn’t continue as Rangpur bowlers regrouped well to stifle them. Taskin Ahmed drew the blood first, dismissing Fletcher for 19 off 12 before Lewis Gregory got rid of Abul Mazid (7).

Sherfane Rutherford resisted even though Mohammad Mithun, who looked in good touch perished to rash shot for 30.

Mustafizur Rahman and Cameron Delport triggered a middle order collapse amid Rutherford’s sustained aggression. With asking run rate still in favour, Rutherford looked to take the match away before an unfortunate run-out ended his earnest endeavor. He blasted a 37 ball-60, cracking five fours and three maximums.

Rutherford’s dismissal effectively ruled out Sylhet’s any chance of the victory and the rest of the batsmen then just reduced the margin.

Lewis Gregory scalped 3-27 while Taskin Ahmed bagged 2-39.

By virtue of this victory, Rangpur now stays at sixth position with eight points from 10 matches and kept them alive in the play-off race mathematically if not practically. Already eliminated from the race, Sylhet Thunder continues to be at bottom of the table with two points from 10 matches.

BSS/SMP/MRU/2319hrs