Comilla Victorians set up Qualifier clash against Sylhet Strikers after crushing Rangpur Riders by 70 runs in their last group match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Friday.Their ninth victory in a row following the three straight defeats in the first three matches, helped them attain 18 points from 12 matches, same as the Sylhet Strikers but they ended at second position due to net run rate. However, the net run rate issue mattered little as the top two teams would play the Qualifier. After this defeat, Rangpur would have to play the Eliminator against Fortune Barishal.
After being asked to bat first, Comilla demonstrated a strong batting performance to post 177-5, a total that proved too hot to handle by Rangpur which was eventually bowled out for 107 in 17 overs.Liton Das set up the platform of strong total for Comilla, hammering a 33 ball-47, studded with three fours and as many sixes. Pakistan recruit Khushdil Shah then gave the finishing touch with 40 off 20, smashing two fours and three sixes. Jaker Ali Anik also played his part well with 34 off 23, an innings designed with three sixes.
Liton and Mohammad Rizwan who made 24, gave the side 43-run for their opening stand but the move to send Sunil Narine in one down position after the dismissal of Rizwan, backfired as the West Indies recruit made just 8. While Liton’s brilliant knock kept the run flowing, captain Imrul Kayes continued his dismal run in the tournament, being out on 19.
Spinner Rakibul Hasan dismissed Liton for his only wicket in the match, giving Rangpur a hope to hit back. But the hope was shattered by Khushdil and Jaker Ali who shared 72 off just 40 to help the side end on a high. Azmatullah Omarzai was the top- wicket taker for Rangpur with 2-34.
Chasing a big target, Rangpur received an early setback, losing their two openers Naim Sheikh (4) and Rony Talukdar (13) cheaply, that made them two down for 20 in fourth over. A good partnership could help them bounce back to the game but they failed to do so, losing wickets at regular interval. Afghan recruit Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the top-scorer for them with 29 off 22, hitting one four and two sixes.
Pacer Mustafizur Rahman was the wrecker-in-chief with 3-18 while spinner Tanvir Islam and Sunil Narie grabbed two wickets apiece.
