Riyad’s Chattogram eliminate Mash’s Dhaka

Chattogram Challengers skipper Mahmudullah Riyad guided his side to an easy seven-wicket victory to eliminate Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's Dhaka Platoon from the ongoing BBPL and make it through to the second eliminator.

Chasing 145 for victory, Chattogram were provided a solid start by Chris Gayle and Ziaur Rahman (25 off 12). Gayle then paired with in-form Imrul Kayes (32 off 22) during a 49-run partnership. Gayle fell after a perhaps uncharacteristic 49-ball 38-run knock and with Imrul falling two overs earlier, Chattogram were in a bit of bother. Riyad blasted a 14-ball 34 to take his side over the ropes with 14 balls to spare. Chattogram will now play the second eliminator match against the losing side in the fixture between Khulna Tigers and Rajshahi Royals.

Earlier, Dhaka were in big trouble early after losing wickets at regular intervals and being reduced to seven for 60 runs with the likes of Tamim Iqbal (3), Anamul Haque (0), Luis Reece (0) and Mahedi Hasan (7) contributing little to their cause in the crucial eliminator match.

Opener Mominul Haque hit a run-a-ball 31 but it was Shadab Khan's gritty 41-ball 64 not out that saved Dhaka's blushes after their innings threatened to crumble under 100 runs. Shadab's knock, laced with five fours and three sixes took Platoon to 144 for eight. Ryan Emrit was the pick of the bowlers for Chattogram with three wickets for 23 while Rubel Hossain bagged two wickets for 33 runs.

While there were some doubts ahead of the match regarding Mashrafe's participation after he suffered a hand injury that saw him patched up with 14 stitches, the Platoon skipper took the field to lead his side in the crucial eliminator match.