Waseem, Shanto power: Rajshahi earn gigantic win in BPL Cricket
Sports Reporter :
A superb 142-run second wicket partnership by Mohammad Waseem and Najmul Hossain Shanto powered Rajshahi Warriors to earn a gigantic seven-wicket win over Rangpur Riders in their seventh match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Cricket at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Sent into bat first, Rangpur Riders piled up a fighting total of 178 for the loss of four wickets in 20 overs.
In reply, Rajshahi Warriors romped home making 179 for the loss of three wickets when they had five balls to spare.
Rajshahi Warriors grabbed 10 points playing seven matches, while Rangpur Riders earned eight points from as many outings.
Rajshahi Warriors had a poor start as opener Tanzid Hasan (3) was trapped leg before wicket by Akif Javed when Rajshahi’s score was just 13.
Mohammad Waseem and Najmul Hossain Shanto salvaged their team to close to victory target.
Mohammad Waseem remained unbeaten with 87 runs. His 59-ball innings was studded with seven fours and two sixes.
Najmul Hossain Shanto notched up a sparkle 76. He hit four sixes and six fours before he was dismissed by Mustafifizur Rahman when Rajshahi’s total was 155 for the loss of two wickets. Najmul Hossain Shanto was adjudged the Player of the Match.
After Shanto’s departure, James Neesham came to bat but his innings was short-lived as he (1) was dismissed by Akif Javed when Rajshahi’s score was 165 for the loss of three wickets.
After Neesham’s departure, Mohammad Waseem and Ryan Burl helped their side to reach the victory target.
Akif Javed took two wickets conceding 43 runs, while Mustafizur Rahman got one wicket at the cost of 34 runs.
Towhid Hridoy of Rangpur Riders restored some parity for his team. He remained unbeaten with 97 runs. His 56-ball windy innings was laced with six sixes and eight fours.
Rangpur Riders made a modest start with two openers Towhid Hridoy and Kyle Mayers put on together 29 runs in the opening stand before Kyle Mayers (8) was dismissed by Ripon Mondol.
After Kyle’s departure, Towhid Hridoy and Litton Das scored together 28 runs for the second wicket partnership before Litton Das (11) was dismissed by Sandeep Lamichhane when Rangpur’s total was 57 for the loss of two wickets.
After Litton’s dismissal, Iftikhar Ahmed arrived at the crease but he could not stay at the crease for a long period as he (8) dismissed by Tanzim Hasan when Rangpur’s score was 72 for the loss of three wickets.
After Iftikhar’s departure, Towhid Hridoy and Khushdil Shah built a huge partnership scoring together 105 runs in the four-wicket stand before Khushdil Shah was dismissed by James Neesham when Rangpur’s total was 177 for the loss of four wickets.
Khushdil Shah hit a polished 44. His 29-ball innings was ornamented with three sixes and four fours.
Sandeep Lamichhane, James Neesham, Tanzim Hasan and Ripon Mondol picked up one wicket each for 21, 27, 35 and 56 runs respectively.