Comilla Victorians can be termed as the home team when they take on the ill-fated Sylhet Super Stars today. News are that a group of approximately 3,500 fans have already bought tickets and will be on their way to the ZACS for the evening game today.
Sitting comfortable at the top of the standings with six points from maximum eight, Comilla’s title charge however, received a huge setback after their West Indian recruit Sunil Narine was banned from bowling by the ICC yesterday following a test result of his action that he gave prior to visiting Bangladesh. It is needless to say the franchise led by Mashrafe bin Mortaza will also find it difficult to replace the other Caribbean Marlon Samuels who left for international duty.
Ahmed Shehzad and Shoaib Malik’s arrival is still uncertain as the Victorians will look up to Pakistan opening batsman Muktar Ali for the encounter. The bowling however, looks solid with the presence of Nuwan Kulasekara, Abu Haider and the skipper himself.
For Sylhet, it’s a new beginning and their body language and mentality will make the difference. Mushfiqur Rahim is pleased to have his spearhead Rubel Hossain back for the game as they look to register their first win in the tournament. With Owais Shah returning home, much will be expected from Ravi Bopara who hasn’t played a cameo yet. It goes beyond saying that a defeat today will all but end the Super Stars’ dream of making it to the top four.