Still got it: Misbah guides Rangpur Riders to narrow win

Scores 39-ball 61 as Amir also impresses with 4-30.

Pakistan Test captain Misbahul Haq once again showcased his hitting skills as his 39-ball 61 guided Rangpur Riders to a narrow two-wicket win over Chittagong Vikings in the first Bangladesh Premier League match at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

Man-of-the-match Misbah was ably supported by Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera, with the two combining for a superb 80-run stand that dragged Rangpur back from the brink.

The 41-year-old was not the only Pakistani to impress though, with left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir further staking his claim for an international return with impressive figures of 4-30. The 23-year-old claimed two wickets off two balls at the start of the chase to put his side in a strong position.

Chasing a steep total of 188, Rangpur seemed down and out at 23-4 in the fifth over after losing four wickets for just one run.

Amir then came back late on to once again wreak havoc, again dismissing two batsmen off successive balls as Perera and Misbah fell prey; the latter being castled by a stunning yorker.

But West Indian Darren Sammy’s 18 off seven balls ensured his side went over the line off the last ball of the game in a tight finish.

Earlier in the day, Chittagong were on course to get closer to 200 thanks to a strong start as skipper Tamim Iqbal scored 51 off 32 balls.

They then lost their way in the middle before Jeevan Mendis scored a superb 39 off 18 balls to take the Vikings to 187-7.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd,  2015.

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