DHAKA, Dec 14, 2019 (BSS)- Despite a brilliant 54 ball-78 from opener Naim Shiekh, Rangpur Rangers conceded a six-wicket defeat to Chattogram Challengers in the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium here today.
Amid the mindless batting of his other colleagues, Naim stood tall to help Rangpur post 157-8, a fighting total by any means. However it was not enough as opener Chadwick Wlaton and Imrul Kayes batted with utmost confidence to help the Chattogram Challengers reach the winning target 158-4 in 18.2 overs.
It was Chattogram’s second victory in third match while Rangpur’s second straight defeat in the tournament, having suffered a 105-run defeat to Cumilla Warriors in the opening game.
Walton gave the side kind of a start what the side needed. He and his fellow opener Avishka Fernando shared a 68-run partnership to give the side a decent platform.
Lewis Gregory gave Rangpur the breakthrough, having dismissed Fernando for 37 but Walton got an ably support in Imrul Kayes to take the side closer.
Before Rangpur captain Mohammad Nabi removed Walton, the Caribbean struck 50 off 34 with four fours and three sixes.
Rangpur then got a glimmer of hope to bounce back in the match when they got the better of Chattogram captain Mahmudullah Riyad (15), who played his first match and Nasir Hossain for 3.
Kayes remained unfazed by the fall of wickets around him and stayed till the last to win the game for the side. Kayes was not out on 44 off 33 with three fours and two sixes.
Being sent to bat first, Rangpur’s innings was all about the stellar effort of Naim Sheikh who amid the wickets tumbling around him kept the side in the hunt of the decent total.
His fellow opener Mohammad Shahzad was out on run-a-ball-9 and the middle order couldn’t survive in the face of some disciplined bowling of Chattogram bowler, led by Kesrick Williams.
Naim struck six fours and three sixes in his 78 off 54 and was adjudged man of the match despite being in the losing side. Mohammad Nabi was the other notable scorer for Rangpur with 12 ball-21 while Gregory made 11.
Williams claimed 2-35 to be the most successful bowler for Chattogram.