BSP-16 Ridoy, Shukkur lead demolition of Mahmudullah’s XI

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BSP-16

CRICKET-FIRST-MATCH-BCB

Ridoy, Shukkur lead demolition of Mahmudullah’s XI

DHAKA, Oct 11, 2020 (BSS)-Ifran Shukkur and Towhid Ridoy struck half-century and in the process shared a superbly paced 105-run partnership, enabling Nazmul XI’s script a four-wicket win over Mahmudullah’s XI in the first match of BCB President’s Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

They helped the side overcome a tricky situation after they were reduced to 79-5. From that possible when a victory looked impossible, they anchored the chase with utmost confidence, which helped the side snatch the victory.

The credit should go to fast bowler Taskin Ahmed also whose sustained aggression helped Nazmul’s XI dismiss Mahmudullah’s XI to paltry 196 in 47.3. Nazmul’s XI raced to the victory losing six wickets in 41.1 overs.

Shukkur was not out on 56 of 78 balls, sending the ball across the rope for six times while Towhid Ridoy struck two fours and as many sixes in his 67 ball-52. They looked set to complete inevitable by remaining unbeaten together but leg-spinner Aminul Islam Bipob broke the partnership when Nazmul’s XI was 14-run away to the victory. That hardly mattered as Nayeem Hasan sealed the deal with a six over long-on.

But their start was not ideal as Mahmudullah’s XI’s pacer Ebadot Hossain ripped through the top order in a gem of pace bowling. Ebadot picked up both openers Saif Hasan (17) a nd Soumya Sarkar (21) before he also forced Mushfiqur Rahim (1) drag one onto the stump.

Rakibul Hasan meantime scalped the prized wicket of skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto for 28 while Mahmudullah took out Afif for 4, leaving Nazmul’s XI for 79-5.

As they sensed a victory, the partnership of Ridoy and Shukkur broke their heart.

Earlier, Taskin claimed 2-37, the same number of wickets taken by his fellow pacers Al-Amin Hossain (2-40) and Mukidul Islam Mugdho (2-44) but his aggression was kay in inflicting a mental breakdown for Mahmudullah’s XI.

For the side, captain Mahmudullah battled hard to score 51 off 82, featuring three fours and one six while Imrul Kayes added 40. Sabbir Rahman with 22 was the other notable scorer.

Being sent to bat first, Mahmudullah’s XI made a horrendous start as Naim Sheikh was trapped run-out for three before Taskin Ahmed’s pace forced opener Liton Das drag the ball on to his stump in the fifth over, leaving them 21-2.

Situation worsened further as Al-Amin Hossain dismissed Mominul Haque for duck in the next over.

Mahmudullah and Kayes counterattacked and played with utmost confidence, giving the side a hope to lay a solid platform. They were on right path until Kayes played a rash shot against off-spinner Nayeem Hasan to bring an end to the 73-run fourth wicket partnership.

Kayes also struck three fours and one six in his 51 ball-40.

Nurul Hasan Sohan started promisingly but also trapped run out and when Mughdo took out Mahmudullah after he brought up his half-century, Mahmudullah’s XI’s chance to score big was diminished.

Sabbir Rahman played some good shot and gave the side a ray of hope but Mugdho struck again to remove him for 22. The rest of batsmen then fell like pack of cards as Nazmul’s XI restricted the opponent below 200.

Ahead of the match, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of cricket personalities who passed away in recent months and fatal victims of Covid-19 in the country.

After that, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan Papon declared the tournament open.

The three-team 50-over tournament in which another team is Tamim Iqbal XI is a part of the continuing initiatives of the BCB aimed at a gradual resumption of normal cricketing activities which have been disrupted since March this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The tournament is expected to provide leading and upcoming cricketers the opportunity for some quality competitive cricket in the current situation.

Each team will face each other twice with the top two on points featuring in the final on October 23. All the games will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur and will be day-night.

Brief Score:

Mahmudullah’s XI 196 all out in 47.3 overs (Mahmudllah 51, Kayes 40, Liton Das 22; Taskin Ahmed 2-37, Al-Amin 2-40, Mugdho 2-44)

Nazmul’s XI 196-6 in 41.1 overs (Irfan Shukkur 56 not out, Towhid Ridoy 52, Nazmul Hossain Shanto 28; Ebadot 3-46, Aminul 1-31)

Result: Nazmul’s XI won the match by 4 wickets.

BSS/SMP/MMA/2222HRS