DHAKA: Two least fancied franchise Comilla Victorians and Barisal Bulls are now within few hours of appearing against each other for epic contest of BPL T20 final.
These teams played consistently well under cool leadership of two perfect gentlemen cricketers, national Icons Mashrafe and Mahmudullah.
It is a maiden venture for the Victorians while Barisal Franchise appeared in a different name Barisal Burners in the last two versions of BPL. Mashrafe was the winning captain of the first two versions for the Dhaka Franchise. This time the six local icons were allotted to franchise on the basis of draws.
When the teams were announced other four franchises Rangpur Riders, Dhaka Dynamites, Sylhet Superstars and Chittagong Vikings appeared much stronger on paper. Very few found real opportunities for Victorians or Bulls. But playing consistent cricket inspired their enigmatic captains the team turned the table on the favorites. Cricket will win when either Mashrafe or Mahmudullah lift the prestigious trophy.
Comilla Victorians
Comilla Victorians roped in some impact overseas cricketers like Sunil Narine, Marlon Samuels, Ahmed Shehzad, Shoaib Malik, Kulasekara, Andre Russell and relatively unknown Ashar Zaidi. At the early stage of the tournament Narine was banned by ICC for suspect bowling action, Samuel left to join West Indies touring team in Australia, Andre Russell joined his Big Bash franchise, and Shoaib got finger injury.
Kulasekara remains steady performer. But the foreign player who contributed most to Victorians success is burly Ashar Zaidi. His very effective left arm spin has given depth and diversity to the bowling attack and his aggressive batting at late middle order has driven the team.
The most prized possession of the Victorians must be enigmatic and inspirational captain Mashrafe. The owners were unsure even after getting Mashrafe whether they had the appropriate all-rounder to drive the team. But, he led his charges with his usual flair leading from the front by example squeezing the best out of everyone. Under his dynamic leadership the team changed into a happy family playing for one another.
Left Arm pacer Abu Haider Rony turned into hero from an almost unknown position. With 21 wickets he leads the bowlers. Imrul Kayes rediscovered his aggressive batting skills for T20 version. Liton had mixed success in front of the wicket but behind he kept with passion. Fringe players like Shuvagata Hom and Alok Kapali also made contributions. Young upcoming Kamrul Islam Rabbi got injured and could not feature in most matches.
Mashrafe himself got injured after few matches which kept him away from bowling. But, he bowled and even batted like champions in few matches when fit. Even when he neither batted nor bowled his mere presence in the field kept Victorians marching ahead. Most of the players would have preferred not playing but Mashrafe with his “Can Do” and “Never say Die” specialty went on. We are not saying Victorians are clear favorites but when Mashrafe is leading a team it will require his opposing team play out of the skins to win.
Barisal Bulls
Getting Cool headed top quality batsman Mahmudullah Riyad turned out a blessing for the Bulls. He has led his charge very aggressively which was not foreseen earlier. He batted like a champion and held his innings together.
Five local recruits we would say of Barisal Bulls were very smart decisions. Sabbir, Al-Amin, Taijul Islam, Rony Talukdar and Shahriar Nafees proved their utility adjusting to the wickets slowly and steadily. Al-Amin turned out as a major success with his accurate and penetrating pace attack combining well with Pakistani speedster Sami. Sabbir struggled through most of the matches to find his feet. But over the last two matches he played two blinders and appeared as major destroyer. Rony and Nafees played well within themselves and Taijul appeared as the main spinner.
Bulls had the mover and shaker in their team. Chris Gayle’s monster appearance although brief mattered. But even before his arrival Bulls won five of their six matches. But ironically even with Gayle there, Bulls recorded the lowest total of the tournament. Gayle left for joining his Big Bash franchise. Every other foreign recruit made useful contributions for the team’s success. E Lewis scored the only century of the tournament so far. K Cooper and Emrit appeared with late order blast. Cooper not only batted aggressively but also appeared as main wicket taker.
Bulls proved as better balanced team and will definitely prove competitive if they play to their potential.
Probable Squads
Comilla Victorians
Imrul Kayes, Liton Das†, Ahmed Shehzad, Shoaib Malik, Mahmudul Hasan, Shuvagata, Alok Kapali, Mashrafe Mortaza*, Abu Hider, KMDN Kulasekara, K Santoki
Barisal Bulls
E Lewis, Rony Talukdar, Shahriar Nafees, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah*, S Prasanna, KK Copper, Emrit, Taijul Islam, Sami, Al-Amin Hossain
We hope that the match will be played with the truest spirit of cricket and better team of the day wins fair. Both the teams have established local players and some brilliant young potential players for the future. Rony and Copper will compete closely to turn out as highest wicket taker. Sabbir has to again appear on the shoes of Chris Gayle. Imrul and Liton has to play well against Sami and Al-Amin. Mahmudullah will have to match Mashrafe in the leadership.
BDST: 1055 HRS, DEC 15, 2015
SR
