Published: Dec 06, 2017, 08:52 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 06, 2017, 08:52 PM (IST)
Dhaka Dynamites thrashed Rangpur Riders to ensure a top two finish in the points table of the fifth edition of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2017. Already qualified for the playoffs, Dynamites had little to sweat as they stormed past Riders by 43 runs. Skipper Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round efforts led to Dynamites’ revival who were struggling at 48 for 5 after electing to bat. They will now face Comilla Victorians in Qualifier 1, whereas Khulna Titans will lock horns against Riders in the Eliminator on Friday.
Batting first, Dynamites’ top order faltered. Sunil Narine and Evin Lewis perished without adding much to the scoreboard. On the other hand, Mehedi Maruf failed to capitalise after getting a look-in. The onus came on Shakib, and he did not disappoint. He ensured Dynamites’ played out their quota of overs and switched gears in the end overs. Samuel Badree and Nahidul Islam were most economical, and Rubel Hossain scalped 2 wickets.
In reply, Riders failed to step the tempo. Brendon McCullum and Adam Lyth disappointed, whereas Johnson Charles made an unimpressive 30-ball 26. Ravi Bopara’s 28 not out ensured they ended close to the three-figure mark, but the writing was on the wall much before. Reeling at 39 for 5 in 9 overs, Riders had lost the plot long back.
From Dynamites, no bowler conceded more than 6 per over. Shakib and Abu Hider shared 4 wickets in between.
Brief scores
Dhaka Dynamites 137 for 7 in 20 overs (Evin Lewis 14, Mehedi Maruf 33, Shakib Al Hasan 47*; Rubel Hossain 2 for 32, Samuel Badree 1 for 18) beat Rangpur Riders 94 for 7 in 20 overs (Johnson Charles 26, Ravi Bopara 28*; Shakib Al Hasan 2 for 13, Abu Hider 2 for 23) by 43 runs.
