ZCZC
BSP-14
CRICKET-RAJ-BARISHAL-SHANTO
Shanto hits Bangabandhu T20’s first century as Rajshahi racks up 220-7
DHAKA, Dec 8, 2020 (BSS)—Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto struck a monstrous century to be the first centurion of the Bangabandhu T20 Cup as Minister Group Rajshahi compiled a gigantic 220-7 against Fortune Barishal in a crucial game at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Shanto brought up his century for just 52 balls to be the third fastest century by a Bangladeshi batsman in T20 cricket before he was dismissed for 109 off 54, smashing four fours and 11 sixes. He equaled Tamim Iqbal’s record of hitting most sixes by a Bangladeshi batsman in T20 cricket.
Tamim Iqbal remains record holder of hitting fastest 100 when he smashed a 50 ball-century for Comilla Victorians during his 61 ball-141 not out against Dhaka Dynamites in BPL 2019.
Shanto however also holds the second fastest 100, which came off 51 balls. The century came earlier in this year in Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) for Khulna Tigers against Dhaka Platoon.
Alongside Shanto, youngster Anisul Islam Emon also dazzled, hammering a 39 ball-69, smacking seven fours and three sixes.
Being sent to bat first, Shanto and Emon shared a 131-run partnership for the opening stand, the highest and only second 100 plus partnership in this tournament.
After Sumon Khan removed Emon with a return catch, no one could stand tall but Shanto continued his carnage to help the side propel past the tournament’s first 200 plus score.
However the match turned out to be more eventful when Kamrul Islam Rabbi finished with four wickets including a hattrick in the last over to resist Rajshahi piling up more runs.
In doing so, Kamul Rabbi became the third Bangladeshi bowler to achieve T20 hattrick. Al-Amin Hossain alone slammed two while Alis Al Islam was the other Bangladeshi bowler to achieve hattrick feat.
Kamrul Rabbi finished with 4-49 while Sumon Khan grabbed 2-43.
BSS/SMP/AU/15:50 hrs