Published: Nov 05, 2017, 06:08 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 05, 2017, 06:08 PM (IST)
In Match 3 of ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2017, Sylhet Sixers continued their winning streak to beat Comilla Victorians by 4 wickets. In pursuit of 146, Victorians fought hard but were outdone by Upul Tharanga’s 40-ball 51 to lose their tournament opener. The Sri Lankan limited-overs skipper was adjudged Man-of-the-Match for his sparkling half-century. In addition, Sixers remain on top with back-to-back victories.
Opting to bowl, Nasir Hossain-led side restricted Victorians to a moderate total. Liton Das and Imrul Kayes took Victorians to a safe start but Nasir’s twin strikes pushed them to the wall. Krishman Santokie and Taijul Islam dented them further, with Liam Plunkett chipping in with a wicket as well. Marlon Samuels propelled the score to 145 for 6 with a gritty half-century. However, his innings didn’t prove out to be a game-changing one. In the end, Alok Kapali’s cameo took them close to the 150-run mark.
In reply, Andrew Fletcher and Tharanga took Sixers to a rapid start. They were 73 for no loss inside 9 overs, before Fletcher departed for 36. The opening stand was enough to take them to victory, but there were some nervous moments in between. From 102 for 2, Sixers were reduced to 118 for 4. Sabbir Rahman faltered whereas captain Nasir went after getting a start.
With 10 required off the last over, Dwayne Bravo removed Shuvagata Hom on the first ball to add some drama. Nonetheless, a 3-ball 11 (not out) from wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan sealed the deal for Sixers.
Brief scores
Comilla Victorians 145 for 6 in 20 overs (Liton Das 21, Marlon Samuels 60, Alok Kapali 26; Taijul Islam 2 for 22, Krishmar Santokie 2 for 30) lose to Sylhet Sixers 148 for 6 in 19.5 overs (Upul Tharanga 51, Andrew Fletcher 36, Nasir Hossain 18; Dwayne Bravo 2 for 34) by 4 wickets.
