'A lesson for the locals'

Chittagong Vikings skipper Tamim Iqbal said that there was a lot to learn from Misbahul Haq's game-changing innings in the first match of the Bangladesh Premier League at Mirpur yesterday.

Misbah had the near-impossible task of reviving the Rangpur Riders from 23 for 4 during their chase of 188. At the end, he managed to take Rangpur home with help from Mohammad Al Amin and Thisara Perera.

 “The way he started, he was very calm. He first took the singles and then played the big shots. When we were batting, we were 100-odd for 1 in 11 overs. Had we just rotated the strike we could have easily reached 200.

 “This is a learning (experience) for the local boys. He played an unbelievable innings,” said Tamim during the post-match press conference.

 “I don't think we are demotivated although we really wanted to win this match. Actually I have no words to say. The way we started we should have scored 20 runs more. There was a bit of a problem in the middle as well as two dropped catches. I think those were the factors that lost us the game,” he added.

Describing yesterday's match as a 'great start' to the Bangladesh Premier League, Misbah said that all he targeted to do was to play the full 20 overs.

 “I think my strategy was very simple. The kind of batsmen we had down the order, like Thisara and [Darren] Sammy, we knew what we were capable of. We knew that 80 runs in the last five overs was gettable,” said Misbah. 

 “I played a lot of cricket here. The side-boundaries are slightly small and the wickets are really good so you can really get smashed for boundaries towards the end here,” he added.

With a brilliant four-wicket haul, Mohammad Amir was the other highlight of the match. Misbah, who was bowled by an absolute stunner, also spoke highly of him.

 “It's a match between ball and bat. He bowled a really good yorker. This is what people are here to watch. There's always good competition, that's what cricket is all about.

Tamim echoed Misbah's sentiments. “I don't know if he was excited, but he bowled brilliantly. I was looking forward to him. He is playing this kind of cricket after a long time and I am sure he will get better each day.”