Sylhet Thunder opening batsman Andre Fletcher expressed delight after scoring his maiden T20 hundred and coming to the rescue of his side, who finally tasted victory in the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 after four consecutive losses.
The Thunder had their backs against the wall but Fletcher, alongside his Caribbean compatriot Johnson Charles, inspired their side to a massive 80-run win against Khulna Tigers at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium Saturday.
Right-handed batsman Fletcher however, said he’d have been happier if the ton had come early in his career.
The out-of-favor 32-year old Windies cricketer scored a blistering 103 off just 57 balls, his first century in either T20 or T20I cricket.
“For sure, I would love to score as much hundreds as I can. Unfortunately I did not. I am grateful for it now and I will hope that I could get as much more as possible. Unfortunately I am not playing for the West Indies currently but hopefully continue to score as much runs as possible and then get back to the team,” said Fletcher to the media at ZACS Saturday.
“It is my first hundred [in T20] and I am happy. It was a case where I never had to take any great chances as of the way Johnson was batting. We batted well in pairs and it is actually good to see that we can do our best and execute the plans of the team, and as a batting unit. As overseas we can contribute that the team can win,” he added.
Fletcher attempts to go big Dhaka Tribune/Md Manik
Sylhet are second from bottom with two points from five games and face an uphill task if they are to advance to the playoffs.
In their remaining seven matches, the Thunder must win at least five to stay in contention.
Fletcher though believes the big win against Khulna will do their confidence a world of good before their next game.
“Well we know what we had to do as a batting unit. And the coach was asking for someone to bat as deep as possible and maybe get to a big 50. I said to the captain [Mosaddek Hossain] before the game that Johnson and I would try our best. If we can bat at least 10 overs each then we can post a big total. And it is good that I could carry on and bat right through. And the way he played, hopefully we can bat the same and win another game. We need to win from here and hopefully we can get to the play-offs,” said Fletcher.
“Once you are going through a bad patch and you get to taste the first victory, you are eager to go out there and get more. We just have to continue, execute the plans and play as team. Result will take care of itself, we just have to do the basics right and hopefully, Inshallah, we can win,” he added.
