BPL: Chittagong go top after 7-wicket win

Shahzaib guides Rajshahi home in BPL match

Sylhet Royals continued their dismal form in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), losing their fourth match in a row, as Chittagong Kings went top of the points table after a seven-wicket win against their hapless opponents. 

Batting first, an 83-run second wicket partnership between Pakistan’s Kamran Akmal and Peter Trego helped the Royals to a competitive 152 for four in their allotted overs.

Akmal, who has been in fine form during the event, hit a 41-ball 54 with the help of nine boundaries and a six, while Trego’s 51 came in 48 deliveries. Ferhad Raza picked up two for 28 for the Kings.

Chittagong were reduced to 45 for three before Ziaur Rahman and Mahmudullah guided their team home with an unbeaten 109-run fourth wicket partnership.

Mahmuddullah’s brilliant 56 came off 38 deliveries and included four hits to the fence and two sixes. Rahman, on the other hand, hit a 32-ball 48.  For the Royals, Sohail Tanvir finished with one for 16.

Shahzaib fires Rajshahi to win

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Shahzaib Hasan, whose abrupt departure for the BPL had created controversy back home, steered Duronto Rajshahi to a comfortable six-wicket win over Khulna Royal Bengals.

Batting first, Bengals were restricted to a below-par 145 for seven courtesy some disciplined bowling from the Rajshahi bowlers. Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq picked up two for 26, while Mohammad Sami, Fawad Alam and Marlon Samuels took a wicket apiece. For Bengals, captain Shakibal Hasan top-scored with a quickfire 44.

In reply, Rajshahi were off to a good start courtesy a 46-run opening partnership between Shahzaib and Junaid Siddique (26). Shahzaib’s 52 consisted of six boundaries. However, Bengals hit back with three quick wickets to reduce Rajshahi to 57 for three. Thereafter, a 75-run fourth wicket partnership between Shahzaib and Mushfiqur Rahim (47*) steered Rajshahi home in the final over. Shakib starred with the ball as well for his team picking up two wickets.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th, 2012.