The triumphant Comilla Victorians team pose with the 2015 Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 trophy following their dramatic three-wicket win over Barisal Bulls in the grand finale at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday PHOTO:MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK
Comilla Victorians skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza credited his side’s never-die-spirit and Alok Kapali’s strong intentions behind their success in the grand finale of the 2015 Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 yesterday. Comilla defeated Barisal Bulls by three wickets to emerge as the new champions of the money-spinning tournament at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
In pursuit of Barisal’s competitive 156/4, Comilla were struggling at one stage following the departures of Imrul Kayes and Ahmed Shehzad and it appeared that the former would just about edge the latter in the dying stages of the chase.
Kapali however, changed all that, courtesy his match-winning unbeaten 28-ball 39 as Comilla reached their destination in the final delivery of the 20th over, sparking wild celebrations in the dug-out.
“I do not have enough words for Kapali. He was sensible and had the right approach,” Mashrafe told the media in the post-match press conference.
Kapali was picked up by Comilla days after he remained unsold in the BPL Players’ Draft ceremony. Mashrafe, explaining his pick, said, “The first reason I wanted Alok in the team was simply because he is an experienced player. Many look for shot-making batsmen in T20 cricket but what I think is a team also needs experienced players. So this is very important and the decision paid off.”
Mashrafe yesterday claimed his hat-trick of BPL crowns and the Narail Express duly expressed his delight at the title win in the presser.
“I think I was really lucky in all three BPLs. I am very lucky to be champion in all three. This time I will give the entire credit to coach [Mohammad] Salauddin at first. He worked on the roles of each and every player so I am grateful to him and the entire team,” said Mashrafe.
By lifting the BPL title, Mashrafe ended a dream year, given the series of wins he had led Bangladesh in limited-over cricket.
“It has been a very good year for me. I tried my best to play the role and will try to continue the good work. I just want this to continue. I do not want anything more than this,” said the 32-year-old.
Dejected Barisal captain Mahmudullah on the other hand said, “In the last BPL we lost in the final. I did not want Mashrafe bhai to do a hat-trick but unfortunately that did not happen so congratulations to Comilla.”