BSP-22 Russell, Liton flay Khulna Tigers for Rajshahi’s third win in BBPL

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Russell, Liton flay Khulna Tigers for Rajshahi’s third win in BBPL

DHAKA, Dec 23, 2019 (BSS)-Skipper Andre Russell’s four for 37 was complemented by Liton Das’s 44-ball 58 as Rajshahi Royals thrashed Khulna Tigers by seven wickets to grab their third victory in fourth match in the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram today.

Russell claimed 4-37 to restrict Khulna to paltry 145-9, which Liton made a cake-walk and eventually helped his side to reach the winning mark with 149-3 in 18 overs.

It was Khulna’s consecutive second defeat in five matches after winning the first three in a row. Rajshahi’s third victory however propelled them to second spot in BBPL point table.

Liton and Afif Hossain shared 76 runs in just ninth over for their opening stand to ease the thing. Afif was first to go after scoring 22 off 18 with three boundaries, as he was trapped run out.

Liton who was fluent right from the beginning struck five fours and two sixes in his 58 off 44 before pace bowler Shahidul Islam had him caught by Tanvir Islam at point.

But before being dismissed, Liton kept the side in good stead with 94-2 in 11.3 overs. Captain Andre Russell then struck 19 ball-28 not out and did the rest, with the help of Shoaib Malik (16) and Ravi Bopara (13 not out).

After electing to bowl first, Andre Russell all by himself proved his decision preciously right.

He varied his pace well to suffocate the batsman and was aptly supported by the other bowlers who maintained a tight line and length to make the life hell for the batsmen.

Kamrul Islam Rabbi and Ravi Bopara grabbed two wickets apiece to complement Russell.

The giant West Indian opened the bowling and bagged two wickets in his first over, dismissing the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz (4) and Mehidy Hasan Miraj (0).

In form Rilee Rossouw held one end intact but Kamrul Islam Rabbi joined the party with Russell to scythe down the middle order, getting rid of Khulna skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (1), who paid the price of playing an injudicious scoop early in his innings. Rabbi then had Nazmul Hossain Shanto for leg-before for naught, to leave Khulna at tittering 29-4.

Rossouw hit five fours and one six in his 24-ball 35 before Afif got the prized scalp. Shamsur Rahman Shuvo however took the onus and struck 55 off46 with four fours and one six. Alongside him, Robbie Frylinck made 26 ball-31 to help Khulna reach closer to 150. Apart from these three batsmen, no one could reach double digit figure.

BSS/SMP/MMA/2210hrs