Chittagong Vikings v Rajshahi KingsFinally, some cheer for Chittagong crowdIt has been a disappointing start for Chittagong in the ongoing fourth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 2016-17 season, having lost four matches in a row after winning their tournament opener against holders Comilla Victorians. The local fans were expecting their side to make a quick turnaround when the tournament shifted to Chittagong and their team did not disappoint. Tamim Iqbal’s troop finally broke the jinx and managed to seal their second win of the competition, beating Rajshahi. During the game, the port city crowd went wild and supported their team with full enthusiasm. Undoubtedly, this win will surely boost the confidence of the team in the coming days.
Chittagong Vikings' Mohammad Nabi plays a shot during their BPL 4 match against Rajshahi Kings in Chittagong
DHAKA TRIBUNEDevastating NabiChittagong desperately required something extraordinary to return to winning ways and it was their Afghanistan cricketer Mohammad Nabi who proved to be devastating with the bat against Rajshahi. The hard-hitting right-hander struck half a dozen sixes and as many fours in his 37-ball 87 as Chittagong blasted 76 runs in their last five overs to post a huge total of 190/5. Nabi was also instrumental with his off-spin, picking up the crucial wicket of English all-rounder Samit Patel and giving away 24 runs from his quota of four overs. Without a doubt, Chittagong's player of the match against Rajshahi.
Comilla Victorians v Rangpur Riders Comilla Victorians opener Imrul Kayes was one among several disappointments for the defending champions on Friday
DHAKA TRIBUNEDemoralised ComillaDefending champions Comilla are yet to register their first win in the fourth edition as they once again failed to perform as a unit against Rangpur. Lack of team combination and poor batting display have been their major problems while it should be mentioned that some negative issues are hampering the side, namely between the franchise owner and captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza. As a result, the holders are yet to open their account and the players' morale is understandably down after their fifth defeat in as many games.
Rangpur opening batsman continued his low run of scores against Comilla
DHAKA TRIBUNESoumya’s poor run continuesDespite Rangpur's good run in the ongoing BPL, dashing left-hander Soumya Sarkar is yet to find his touch with the bat. The 23-year old once again failed to score a big knock after a good start against Comilla and eventually departed for 22 in what was a rather soft dismissal. The southpaw gifted a simple catch to the mid-wicket fielder off the bowling of Mashrafe. The attacking batsman has been going through a rough patch for quite some time now. He scored 23, 13, two and 14 in his last four BPL innings. He will no doubt be desperate to return to run-scoring ways and contribute more for his team's cause.