DHAKA, Jan 16, 2020 (BSS)- Rajshahi Royals is determined to deal with Mohammad Amir in better and more planned way, knowing that how deadly the Pakistan fast bowler can be on his day.
Rajshahi in fact had the first experience as Amir demolished them in the first Qualifier with 6-17, the best bowling figure in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) history, to seal Khulna Tigers’ final straightway.
Beaten and bruised by Amir, Rajshahi had to play the second Qualifier in which they edged Chattogram Challengers past by two wickets in a thrilling contest to set up final clash against Khulna again.
Captain Andre Russell was key in Rajshahi’s victory in the second Qualifier as he snatched the victory from the jaws of the defeat with a sensational 22 ball-54 not out. His knock came at a moment when Rajshahi needed 70 plus runs in the last five overs.
But Khulna will offer a different threat through Amir in the final of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) tomorrow (Friday), what Russell and co knows well.
Russell in fact made it clear their chances to win the BPL trophy for the first time vastly depends on how they could neutralize Amir-effect.
“They are a big threat to be honest and they have some good player and match winners and they have bowlers who can tear us,” Russell said here after beating Chattogram Challengers by two wickets.
”Earlier we have seen with Amir what he can do and so we are not going to take anything for granted .We have to make sure we pace ourselves well and that’s where we went wrong[ in the previous game] as we played too many high risk shot against them,” he added.
”When we play against Khulna we may need to start with a spinner and may be me. I will go with my gut feeling,” he said.
Russell however said he would do a mad party after winning the final against Khulna.
”I wish there was a club to celebrate but I am in no hurry because we have an important game in two days and I will celebrate the party after that game,” Russell said,
Russell struck two fours and seven sixes against Chattogram in his marauding 22 ball-54 not out and those seven sixes came up with such muscle power that even some mishits went for sixes. And the sixes which was hit with in clean way crossed the 100 meter barrier effortlessly.
“I get all the energy of hitting those big sixes just by having fruits and coconut water,” Russell said, adding that he is looking to use muscle power such way in the final also.
“Hopefully I can come up with bang against Khulna in the final and help the side lift the trophy,” he concluded.