An all-round Comilla Victorians clinched their second successive victory in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League as they defeated Rajshahi Kings by nine wickets at Sher-e Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.
Opener Jos Butler struck unbeaten 50 off 39 deliveries while Imrul Kayes made 44 not out and their 97-run partnership in the second wicket guided Comilla to 120-1 with 29 balls.
Afghan duo Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan had set up the victory for Comilla with a brilliant effort with ball that helped them restrict Rajshahi to 115-7.
Chasing a simple target, Comilla made a cautious start as they scored just one run in the first over bowled by Mohammad Sami.
Liton Das opened up in the next over, hitting Farhad Reza two fours and as many sixes, though the bowler had the last laugh as he bowled the opener for 23 off 12 balls.
Ironically, this remained as the only success for Rajshahi with the ball as they lost now three of their four matches, which also took them to the bottom of the table.
Buttler blazed his way to 39-ball fifty with four fours and two sixes before Imrul shrugged off his poor form to finish the game in style with a six off Kesrick Williams.
Afghan all-rounder Nabi led Comilla from the front with 3-15 and other bowlers complemented him after he won the toss and opted to bowl first.
His fellow compatriot, leg-spinner Rashid Khan, kept it extremely tight giving away just seven runs in his four overs for wicket, a performance which earned him man-of-the-match award.
Lendl Simmons staged a lone battle for Rajshahi amid free fall off wickets as he made 40 off 23 balls before he was forced to retire with a hamstring injury.
Reza was other notable run-getters for the side with 25 off 30 deliveries.
Source: New Age.