Tamim, Rabbi power Barishal to first victory in Bangabandhu T20 Cup

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DHAKA, Nov 28, 2020 (BSS)—Fast bowler Kamrul Islam Rabbi’s incredible bowling was complemented by an excellent batting of captain Tamim Iqbal as Fortune Barishal scripted their first victory in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup, securing a five-wicket victory over Minister Group Rajshahi at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Barishal cantered to the victory with an over to spare, making 136-5 after Rajshahi was restricted to a moderate 132-9. It was Rajshahi’s first defeat in three matches, while Barishal’s first victory after their disappointing four-wicket defeat to Gemcon Khulna in the first match.

Captain Tamim led from the front, ensuring the team’s victory with an unbeaten 77 off 61 that included 10 fours and two sixes.

Tamim kept the side in the hunt despite the early departure of Mehidy Hasan Miraz who made just 1.

The captain brought the side back into the contention with 61-run partnership with Parvez Hossain Emon who made 23 runs.

After the dismissal of Emon, Rajshahi bowlers came back with fire to make regular inroads. However Tamim ensured that his team would be right track as he kept the scoreboard intelligently.

Rajshahi could have sensed a victory had they not dropped Tamim when he was on 62. It was a crucial phase of the match as Barishal was still 17 runs away from the victory.

Towhid Ridoy was the other notable scorer with 17.

Mukidul Islam Mugdho was the most successful bowler for Rajshahi with 2-27 while Ebadot Hossain, Mahedi Hasan scalped one apiece.

Fortune Barishal bowlers earlier bowled in disciplined way to hold Minister Group Rajshahi back to paltry total.

Pace bowler Kamrul Islam Rabi led the charge with 4-21, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed and Abu Jayed Rahi dazzled around him.

After being sent to bat first, Rajshahi made a decent start with captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Anisul Islam Emon dealing with the bowlers with utmost ease.

Abu Jayed Rahi drew the blood first, dismissing Shanto for 19 ball-24 and his dismissal brought an end to the 39-run opening partnership.

Barishal bowlers then triggered a middle order collapse, which saw Rajshahi which won the first two matches, reeling to 63-5.

Mahedi Hasan and Fazle Rabbi stalled the progress of Barishal bowlers, sharing a 65-run partnership. But they were not as fluent as it should, specially Fazle Rabbi.

Fazle Rabbi made 31 off 32 and was out in the penultimate over when he looked to amend for his slow batting.

Kamrul Islam Rabbi then delivered an excellent last over, curbing the aggression of the Rajshahi batsmen who were looking to set up a big total.

Mahedi with 23 ball-34 that included three sixes was the highest scorer for the side.

Apart from Kamrul Rabbi’s 4-21, Mehidy Miraz scalped 2-18 while Taskin and Rahi bagged one wicket apiece.

Brief Score:

Minister Group Rajshahi 132-9 in 20 overs (Mahedi Hasan 34, Fazle Rabbi 31, Nazmul Shanto 24, Anisul Emon 24; Kamrul Rabi 4-21, Mehidy Miraz 2-18, Taskin 1-19, Rahi 1-29)

Fortune Barishal 136-5 in 19 overs (Tamim Iqbal 77 not out, Parvez Emon 23, Towhid Ridoy 17; Mugdho 2-23, Ebadot 1-19, Mahedi 1-32)

Result: Barishal wins by 5 wickets.

BSS/SMP/MRU/2211hrs