Good cheer before the intensity
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) continues after a day's break with the evening match between Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's Rangpur Riders and Shakib Al Hasan's Dhaka Dynamites promising to be a treat for those expecting a fiery match between the two finalists of the previous edition.
The competitive streak between these two teams was on view this season too as Dhaka edged out Rangpur in a tight encounter during the first Dhaka leg -- a scintillating game that breathed life into the tournament.
Both teams, on 12 points after having won five matches each, came to the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in the early afternoon yesterday and sweated it out in the comfortable sunshine, getting ready for the crucial tie ahead.
Shakib was seen having fun, darting around the pitch, signalling for passes and quick one-twos with hand gestures during a warm-up football game. He showcased some footballing excellence with a mesmerising turn and dribble, shadowing the ball with his body before a Messi-esque turn to get rid of the defender. Soon, the players took a break with big-hitter Kieron Pollard taking his time in the nets. He played a crucial hand in the last match between the two sides and will once again be a player to watch out for.
On the other side of the pitch, Rangpur were having their own warm-up session but skipper Mashrafe remained largely in the shades of the dugout, often entertaining others with his sense of humour.
His side did not start the tournament on the best foot. Last year's winners lost four of their first six matches but are picking things up at the right time, with their famed top-order boasting some of the best hitters in the game, finally finding their feet. The late momentum, which Mashrafe had previously insisted was the best way to go in this tournament, saw Rangpur pick things up with three victories in their last three matches.
Dhaka, who lost both of their last two matches, would like to utilise any chink in Rangpur's armour -- a questionable lower-middle order which is still an issue.
Even amidst the surrounding competitive air, skippers Mashrafe and Shakib were seen having their own light-hearted session out in the balcony between the two dressing rooms after the sessions ended. The two whiled away their time for a bit, engaged in their own conversation before Mash whisked away Shakib. The two got into a Rangpur Riders micro and left together.
In the first match of the day, Khulna Titans, already out of the running for a top-four finish, will meet Comilla Victorians, who are level on points with Dhaka, Rangpur and Rajshahi Kings. Things are tight at the top as the business end of the tournament approaches.
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