BBPL’s business end begins today
The ongoing special edition of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) was touted as a platform for local players to showcase their talent, and with the country’s biggest T20 franchise league having entered its business end, now is perhaps the best time for the cricketers to do so.
The last four stage of the BBPL will hit the field today with Chattogram Challengers taking on Dhaka Platoon in the eliminator game in today’s first fixture while Rajshahi Royals will face Khulna Tigers in the first qualifier later in the evening.
Chattogram’s left-arm seamer Mehedi Hasan Rana has been the brightest spot for his side throughout this edition. The 23-year-old bagged 17 wickets in eight matches and is in third place on the highest wicket-takers list, just behind Rangpur Rangers’ seamer Mustafizur Rahman and Khulna’s Robbie Frylinck, who have 20 and 18 scalps respectively.
Chattogram, led by Mahmudullah Riyad, will also probably bet on another local player, Imrul Kayes, for today’s encounter. The left-hander has been in fine form so far, having scored 405 runs, featuring four fifties, in eleven matches at an average of 57.85.
Needless to say, the presence of ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle on the side will likely play a huge role even though the big hitter is yet to flourish in the two fixtures he has played up till now.
Likewise, Dhaka will bank on their locals as well with the likes of Mahedi Hasan having been a revelation for the side with his all-round performances.
The 25-year-old played a vital role to help Dhaka reach this point, having scored 256 runs and scalped 11 wickets till now in this BBPL. Meanwhile, Dhaka’s Tamim Iqbal and Mominul Haque can also be devastating on their day.
However, Dhaka will surely miss the services of skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who was injured while fielding in their final group match against Khulna on Saturday. The inspirational cricketer needed 14 stitches on his left-hand and so, will likely miss out on the remainder of the BBPL.
Later in the day, it will be an interesting battle between the tournament’s top two sides -- Rajshahi and Khulna -- in the first qualifier, which will decide which of the two teams will go through to the final.
Khulna skipper Mushfiqur Rahim has led his side from the front and is the second highest run-getter with 449 runs in twelve games at an average of 74.83. First place is held by his South African teammate, Rilee Rosssouw with 458 runs.
Meanwhile, Khulna’s Najmul Hossain Shanto is the only local player to complete a century in the ongoing BBPL so far.
However, Khulna’s opponents for the day are Andre Russell’s Rajshahi, who have displayed good cricket all round.
Liton Das has been in prolific form, scoring 422 runs in eleven games. Paired with Afif Hossain, the duo have provided some blistering starts for Rajshahi throughout the tournament.
Rajshahi’s mix of local talent and experienced foreigners, such as Shoaib Malik, Ravi Bopara and Russsell, has helped the side emerge as a side to be reckoned with and so, one can expect an interesting battle between the sides.
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