DHAKA, Jan 16, 2020 (BSS) – Rajshahi Royals captain Andre Russell said his is not thinking anything else apart from winning the final of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) in which they would take on a high-flying Khulna Tigers.
A Mohammad Amir master class enabled Khulna to a 27-run victory over Rajshahi in the first Qualifier but the final is promised to be all together a different challenge.
The match which starts at 7 PM at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium tomorrow (Friday) is expected to be a high-octane clash, given the way Rajshahi clinched a victory against a highly charged up Chattogram Challengers in second Qualifier.
“There is nothing else in our mind apart from winning. We played last night [against Chattogram] as a team. We showed what we can do and hope we can put up a good show in tomorrow night,” Rajshahi captain Andre Russell said here today.
Despite being beaten and bruised by Mohammad Amir who claimed BPL record 6-17 against Rajshahi in first Qualifier, Russell said, they have special plan for every players of Khulna Tigers as they are enthusiastic to win the trophy.
Khulna’s top order comprised with Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rilee Rossouw and Mushfiqur Rahim all have been in superb form and could be threatening for Rajshahi in the final.
“Well, we will not be going to look at any individual player. We are just going to try and get wicket all time. You never know who it might be tomorrow. Anybody can put up their hands and sometimes it is tough to stop when anyone is in his zone.
“Having known that they have lot of match winners, we can’t plan for one or two players. We have to plan for the entire team. We have to make sure that we plan properly and execute it well,” he said.
Russell admitted that the toss would be a crucial factor in night game but he said they need to make sure that they execute their plan properly.
“We have no control over the toss and so it’s our duty to execute our plan properly whatever we do first, be it batting or bowling.”
Even though Rajshahi’s top order fared quite well apart from the match in the second Qualifier, their middle order looked bit shaky.
Russell said they are unfazed by it and hopeful that they would come up with their best in the big game.
“No concern over the middle order. I think Afif and Liton is really doing good job for the team. They struggled in the last match but they are not down and out. We know we struggled against these guys [Khulna] a couple of nights ago. But I know they will keep themselves pressing for a victory in the final,” he expected.
Russell however is hopeful that he could produce the same performance that he showed against Chattogram Challenges if such situation arises in the final again.
“I am used to play under pressure-be it batting or bowling. I always wanted to be best as best as I can and lead the guys well.”