Comilla Victorians all-rounder Sunil Narine said their win in the final of Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League came at the back of a brilliant team effort.
Narine’s Comilla beat Fortune Barishal by a one run in the thrilling final of the BBPL T20 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday and he was adjudged player of the match for his outstanding all-round effort.
The all-rounder, who recorded quickest fifty in the history of IPL in the second qualifier to help his side reach final, played a blistering knock of 57 off 23 opening the batting to give a great start for his side.
Comilla however could put only 151 runs on the board after losing the way in the middle and Barishal seemed to cruise while chasing as they reached 102-2 from 12 overs despite Narine giving away just eight runs from two overs.
He bowled the 13th over and picked up the vital wicket of his West Indies teammate Chris Gayle, the most explosive batsman of T20 history, and conceding just five runs to revive some hopes for his side.
Barishal were still very much on top as they reached 134-5 after 17 overs and needed just 18 off 18 when Narine came to bowl his last over.
The spinner got rid of another West Indies great when he dismissed Dwayne Bravo in the first ball of that over and his brilliant over that conceded only two runs not only ensured he returned with an outstanding figure of 2-15 from four overs but also gave his fellow overs some cushion to defend.
In the end Mustafizur Rahman and Shohidul Islam did the job but it was Narine whose all-round ability gave Comilla their third BPL title.
“One must give credit to all the players of our side. They fought hard. They deserve the win. This was an exciting match,” said Narine after the match.
“The wicket helped a little and there was match pressure. I want to return to Bangladesh to play next tournament,” he added.
