BPL 2016 Qualifier 1: Dhaka Dynamites reach final, Khulna Titans to have another go

Following their victory in Qualifier 1 of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2016, Dhaka Dynamites became the first side to reach the final of the mega event, beating Khulna Titans by 54 runs. With this win, Shakib Al Hasan’s side are not only all set to have a go at the title but have also opened their account against Titans in this edition. The earlier two clashes between the table-toppers saw Mahmudullah’s Titans prevail, but the script changed this time. Despite the loss, Titans still have a chance for redemption against Rajshahi Kings in Qualifier 2 to make it to the summit clash.

Winning the toss, Mahmudullah invited the opposition to bat. Dynamites started off poorly by losing quick wickets. Junaid Khan’s early breakthroughs left Dynamites reeling at 28 for 3. Evin Lewis and Kumar Sangakkara could not add much as Titans took control of the proceedings. Mahmudullah kept on rotating his bowlers, which worked wonders for his side. Titans were clearly on top when Dynamites lost their sixth wicket with 89 on the board, in the 14th over.

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Nonetheless, having a steep batting line-up worked for Dynamites. A comeback was on the cards, and the star all-rounders from West Indies, Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo, started the recovery for their side. Russell made 46 off 25 balls which included 4 fours and 3 sixes. Bravo held his end with an unbeaten 23.

This propelled Dynamites’ score to 140 for 8, which gave something for their bowlers to bowl at. However, what followed was beyond Shakib’s expectations: Titans collapsed for 86 in 16.2 overs, surrendering without giving a fight. Only two men — Andre Fletcher (28) and Ariful Haque (14) — managed to reach double-figures. The fact that the Dynamites did not have a top-quality batsman barring Mahmudullah and Fletcher did not help.

Dynamites were outstanding on field. Russell and Bravo, saviours with bat, picked up 3 wickets each. Shakib captured a wicket as well, as did each of Abu Jayed, Sunzamul Islam and Mosaddek Hossain.

Titans only have themselves to blame for their poor outing. Unfortunately, they do not have time to regroup themselves, for they will be playing Qualifier 2 against Rajshahi Kings tomorrow, which means they will have to find answers soon. Too much dependence on their skipper has exposed Dynamites, and Kings will be eager to rip them apart after thrashing Chittagong Vikings in the Eliminator.

Brief Scores:

Dhaka Dynamites 140 for 8 in 20 overs (Andre Russell 46, Dwayne Bravo 23*, Junaid Khan 24 for 4) beat Khulna Titans 86 in 16.2 overs (Andre Fletcher 28, Ariful Haque 14; Andre Russell 16 for 3, Dwayne Bravo 10 for 3) by 54 runs