The Bangladesh Premier League 2015 enters the business end as 10 days from now the third edition will get its winner. All teams are back in the capital after playing the mid-phase of the tournament in Chittagong. The competition is also expected to increase with all teams getting hold of their key foreign players. With the last phase beginning today at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, here’s a quick look at the team position, key players and their performance.
Comilla Victorians
Key Players: Mashrafe bin Mortaza, Ashar Zaidi, Abu Haider
Against all odds, a brilliant bunch of cricketers playing under brave-heart Mashrafe bin Mortaza have led the team to the top spot. A squad struck down with injuries, Comilla’s performance was beyond superb as they exhibited a perfect example of teamwork in their seven matches. After late comers Shoaib Malik and Ahmed Shehzad, Andre Russell is expected to arrive for this last stage. Ashar Zaidi has answered to his captain’s call every time and delivered while Nuwan Kulasekara has also settled well in the pace-attack that also contains Abu Haider Rony. Despite Barisal at their tail, Comilla should comfortably finish in the top two and hope to win the Qualifier 1 and secure a berth in the final.
Barisal Bulls
Key Players: Chris Gayle, Mahmudullah, Kevon Cooper
They are currently the joint leaders having played a game lesser than Comilla. Five wins out of six reflects consistency and the local players have played a vital role here. However, their shout for the title will be loud with the arrival of Chris Gayle. If Barisal chooses to open the batting with the West Indian duo Evin Lewis and Gayle, the opposition bowlers might find their stats ruined. Gayle, who already has three BPL hundreds in the past, will also have his compatriot Kevon Cooper, the all-rounder who won Barisal two matches. Al Amin Hossain and Taijul Islam fit perfectly with the foreign trio as their bowling line-up has been outstanding in the season.
Rangpur Riders
Key Player: Shakib al Hasan, Thisara Perera, Misbah ul Haq
Coached by former Bangladesh mentor Shane Jurgensen and captained by the world’s leading all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, Rangpur Riders have registered the highest total and the second lowest total in the tournament and stands third with eight points from seven games. On their day they have beaten all odds, but it’s their erratic performance chart that is worrying. Shakib undoubtedly holds the key to success while Thisara Perera, Misbah ul Haq, Darren Sammy and Wahab Riaz complete a terrific T20 line-up. They have the capability to upset any of the existing top-two as it won’t be surprising if they squeeze through.
Dhaka Dynamites
Key Players: Kumar Sangakkara, Nasir Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman
Led by the great Sri Lankan tactician Kumar Sangakkara, Dhaka fetched just six points from as many games. Dhaka is simply fragile with the bat without Sangakkara. Rookie opener Shadman Islam is promising but Saikat Ali, Abul Hasan, Farhad Reza and Mosharraf Hossain do not really have that capability to bat out of danger when required. Meanwhile, it is high time Nasir Hossain puts a meaningful contribution with the bat as the Dhaka icon cricketer so far scored 5, 15, 2, 33, 5 and 32. Dhaka need to start winning and Nasir must step up beside Sangakkara. It won’t be surprising if the Dynamites explode but not make it to the Eliminator.
Chittagong Vikings
Key Players: T Dilshan, Mohammad Amir, Tamim Iqbal
They have only themselves to blame for their position in the table. Chittagong played the most matches, eight, and accumulated only four points courtesy of the wins in both legs against Sylhet Super Stars. Their performance has been controversial and ordinary at times while lack of depth in the bowling department has hurt them badly. With crucial catches going down and boundaries scored, Vikings made it feel like they have less fielders on the ground. Anamul Haque has also been equally awful both behind and in front of the stumps. The team must win their remaining two games and hope all other results go in their favour to create a small window for them to finish among the top four, which looks unlikely. They come to Dhaka on the back of three defeats in their four home games and might even feel they are here to complete the formalities.
Sylhet Super Stars
Key Players: Shahid Afridi, Ravi Bopara, Mushfiqur Rahim
They are lurking at the bottom with just one win from six games, but they have a strong opportunity of qualifying for the Eliminator. Shahid Afridi’s arrival along with Sohail Tanvir is a huge boost for the side that lost narrow matches in the first two phases. With five fours and four sixes, Afridi started off with almost a match-saving 62 against Chittagong and his batting prowess should give enough confidence to Ravi Bopara and Mushfiqur Rahim. Bopara’s slow pace with the ball has also been very effective. Rubel Hossain hasn’t looked threating after making his comeback from a long injury lay-off but if everything clicks on Sylhet’s favour, they will upset one of the existing top fours.
