Gayle in for Chattogram at the business end
The Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) will enter the business end as the T20 cricket carnival moves back to Dhaka for its third phase in the capital today.
The top two teams in the seven-team table, Chattogram Challengers and Rajshahi Royals will lock horns under lights at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today. Before that in the day game, bottom-placed and already eliminated Sylhet Thunder will square off against Cumilla Warriors at the same venue.
And even though both Chattogram and Rajshahi have already made it to the play-offs, this particular fixture might see fans flocking to the ground as star T20 batsman Chris Gayle is expected to play his first match for Chattogram today.
Gayle, who had earlier stirred confusion regarding his participation by claiming that he wasn’t aware of being included in the BPL draft, arrived yesterday morning in Dhaka to play in the latter part of the tournament, as was previously promised by the Chattogram team management.
Even though the fixture will not see the teams fighting for their survival, the Chattogram troops will surely be boosted by Gayle’s presence as each team look to enter the play-offs in top space and have two chances to qualify for the final on January 17.
“He [Gayle] has a very good record in the BPL. He has a great influence on the team and also on the opposition whenever he plays. It is a very good sign that he is here. It is very important to keep the momentum going in a T20 match.
“We will definitely look to win our two remaining matches as that would help us later [in the play-offs] and to keep the momentum,” said Chattogram wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan after yesterday’s practice session at the Academy ground in Mirpur.
Chattogram may also see the returns of their regular captain Mahmudullah Riyad. Mahmudullah, who had missed the whole Sylhet phase as the all-rounder stayed back in Dhaka to undergo an intensive rehab programme with the BCB medical team for a recurring hamstring injury, is expected to play the fourth game for his side today.
Meanwhile, in the day game, Cumilla, who have accumulated eight points from nine games will be desperate to register their fifth win in order to remain in contention for the play-offs while their opponents, Sylhet, will hope to at least end what has been a dismal tournament for the side with a win.
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