BanglaCricket Article

The BPL results show how volatile T20 cricket actually is. A good innings here and a bad performance there can tip the scales either way. Last night against Duronto Rajshahi, it was the spinners who made the vital difference.

On a wicket that took spin and made it yet again for batsmen to genuinely feel settled, a target of 145 for victory seemed as difficult as chasing 200. And indeed it was earlier that Sunny and Mosharaf Rubel who showed how to bowl on this pitch. Yet again our spin bowlers did a great job and helped restrict Duronto Rajshahi when they found it easy to score freely against our seam bowlers.

I feel this was ultimately the overall difference. We leaked too many runs at the end when it had appeared we would be chasing 120. 

Our fielding throughout the competition has been excellent and I have no issues there. However, we still have to tighten up on extras and bad balls bowled at key times. Also, 3 of our 4 top batsmen couldn't get into a 100 or more strike rate and this makes it hard for those coming in behind. But still the game was there to be won except for some superb Duronto Rajshahi spin bowling making life extremely difficult.

Special mention here to Imran Nazir for his second consecutive 50 played under great pressure. Imran is a fine player and we tried to bat around him to seal the victory. Ultimately, we lost wickets right at the end being forced to hit out. 

The teams all fly off to Chittagong and what is likely to be a 'trial by spin'. We will re-group, re-assess our options and remain flexible. I am expecting the senior players in the batting and bowling to step up and show what they are capable of.

The points tally brings five sides into contention, making for an exciting second round. There is all to play for still.