Bangladesh Premier League: Latif heroics in vain as Nabi inspires Vikings

Pakistani batsman’s 76 not enough with his Victorians side unable to defend 184-run target

Pakistani top-order batting duo Khalid Latif and Ahmad Shahzad fired Comilla Victorians to a daunting 183-3 but Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi starred for his side to complete the difficult chase in their Bangladesh Premier League match over Chittagong Vikings at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong.

The six-wicket win was founded on Nabi’s 24-ball 46 not out and Shoaib Malik’s 38 off 25 balls.

Earlier in the day, Latif’s 53-ball 76 and Shahzad’s 25-ball 40 not out had guided Victorians to a daunting 183-3 in their 20 overs.

They were not the only Pakistanis to impress in the innings though as pacer Imran Khan Junior was the pick of the bowlers for Vikings, giving away just 21 runs in four overs but he couldn’t grab a wicket to show for his superb bowling.

The home side got off to a swift start in their reply, powered by West Indian Dwayne Smith’s 12-ball 21.

Malik then ensured that the run-rate didn’t go too far out of reach with some well-timed boundaries. Nabi took up the baton once the Pakistan international fell with some lusty blows that took his side over the line.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2016.

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