Despite the victory, Comilla are still mired at the bottom with one win from six games while Rajshahi are second from bottom with the same number of wins
Defending champions Comilla Victorians finally managed to win their first game in the Bangladesh Premier League’s fourth edition when they beat Rajshahi Kings by 32 runs at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in the port city on Saturday.
Rajshahi were dismissed for 120 after Comilla posted 152/5 in their 20 overs. In the process, Mashrafe bin Mortaza and his troop finally got the much-needed win after a series of disappointments.
There was no excitement throughout the game as Comilla were asked to bat first. Opening batsman Nazmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 41 off 40 balls with four boundaries while the other opener Imrul Kayes added 34 off 25 deliveries with five fours.
Ryan ten Doeschate remained not out on 21 and Sohail Tanvir was unbeaten on 15 as Comilla posted a fighting total at the end without hitting a single six in their innings.
Comilla captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza briefs Imrul Kayes and Nazmul Hossain Shanto during the drinks break DHAKA TRIBUNE
Rajshahi skipper Darren Sammy picked up two wickets while Farhad Reza and Mehedi Hasan Miraz took one piece.
Chasing 153, Rajshahi never looked settled and apart from Mominul Haque’s 43-ball 53, featuring five fours and a six, none of the other batsman were able to score significantly. They were eventually bundled out with six balls to spare.
English cricketer Samit Patel’s 12 was the second highest score for Rajshahi in what was probably one of the most boring and uninspiring games of the tournament so far.
Pakistan left-arm paceman Sohail Tanvir picked up 4/18 from his three overs while medium pacer Mohammad Saifuddin took three wickets.
Skipper Mashrafe and Ten Doeschate bagged one apiece.
Despite the victory, Comilla are still mired at the bottom with one win from six games while Rajshahi are second from bottom with the same number of wins. Rajshahi though have played a game less.
Dhaka Dynamites are joint top with eight points from six matches, alongside Rangpur Riders and Khulna Titans, who have both played a game less.
Barisal Bulls are fourth with six points from five matches while Chittagong Vikings are third from bottom with four points from six matches.
BRIEF SCORE
Rajshahi Kings 120 in 19 overs (Mominul 53, Tanvir 4/18, Saifuddin 3/27) lost to Comilla Victorians 152/5 (Shanto 41, Kayes 34, Sammy 2/34) by 32 runs
SUNDAY’S MATCH
Barisal Bulls v Khulna Titans, 5:45pm
To be held at ZACS, Chittagong
POINTS TABLE
TEAMS M W L PTS
Dhaka 6 4 2 8
Rangpur 5 4 1 8
Khulna 5 4 1 8
Barisal 5 3 2 6
Chittagong 6 2 4 4
Rajshahi 5 1 4 2
Comilla 6 1 5 2
Source: Dhaka Tribune
