'Didn't think I deserved this'
The recently concluded Sylhet leg of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) could be regarded as the most enthralling phase of the tournament so far as it produced some cracking contests. The last day in Sylhet saw the highest successful run chase of the current edition when Rangpur Riders chased down the 194-run total posted by home side Sylhet Sixers. Later the same day, Chittagong Vikings scored 214 for four against Khulna Titan, the highest total of the season.
As a result, the fans' expectations were high when the tournament moved back to the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. And Rajshahi Kings batsman Laurie Evans lived up to expectations by becoming the first centurion of the season with an unbeaten 104 off 62 balls to help his side win by 38 runs against Comilla Victorians.
However, before yesterday's ton the English batsman could only manage a highest score of 10, which came against Dhaka Dynamites in the second match of the tournament. The right-hander had struggled since as he scored 1 not out, 0, 2 and 0 before scoring the century yesterday.
Evans, however, gave reasons for his poor form and also revealed the secret of how he regained it while speaking at the post-match press conference.
"In training yesterday, for the first time, I felt good after coming here. I had a bit of a break after the APL and T10, and I got married. So when I came here, I did not really carry any form with me.
"I found the wickets to be tough, very difficult and very different from those back home. It's a good standard of competition. I just had to go back to the basics and get myself into a good position. Today was a good opportunity at the top of the order. I suppose hard work is the answer."
The 31-year-old also thanked the team management for trusting him following his lean patch with the willow.
"Yeah, it [century] is special. I have come close once before. I am just grateful to the coaches and the owners for giving me an opportunity because I certainly did not think I deserved it today since I did not score any runs."