Bangladesh Premier League: Nabi blitz gives Vikings simple 19-run win

Afghanistan all-rounder scores 87 off 37 balls to power side to 190-5

Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi was in devastating mood as his 37-ball 87 took Chittagong Vikings to a formidable 190-5 against Rajshahi Kings, laying the platform for a 19-run win.

He was well-supported by Anamul Haque, who scored a half-century.

In reply, Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed claimed 5-31 to ensure Kings never really looked like chasing down the steep target.

Nabi also impressed with the ball, registering economical figures of 1-24 in his four overs, to claim the man of the match award.

Pakistani pacer Imran Khan Junior also impressed with 2-28 in his four overs.

Shahzad, Tanvir heroics in vain

Pakistani opener Ahmad Shahzad scored a solid half-century to take his Comilla Victorians side to 122-5 against Rangpur Riders, with West Indian middle-order batsman Marlon Samuels also notching up a half-century.

However, there was precious little support for the two as no other batsman even crossed five.

Riders went with their familiar approach of using spinners to suffocate the batsmen and it worked, with former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi giving away just 18 runs in his four overs.

The relatively small score meant Riders were able to cruise through, despite Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir once again proving economical with the ball.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 19^th, 2016.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.