What a dream coming true? Rangpur Riders won the trophy in BPL for the first time. Majestic Mashrafe the charismatic cricketer leading the Rangpur Riders in the fifth version BPL lifted the trophy one more making it his fourth individual in 5 versions.
Earlier he won it for Dhaka Gladiators in successive versions in 2012 and 2013 and for new team Comilla Victorians in 2015. RR won the BPL 2017 by 57 runs after Tsunami CH Gayle played yet another tornado innings of unbeaten 146 studded with 18 sixes and 5 fours . When a Mashrafe led team scores 206 in a T20 match it becomes an obvious conclusion that Mashrafe lifts the trophy.
There are every reasons different persons shouting for different teams. But everyone we believe in Bangladesh loved witnessing ever green Mashrafe lifting the trophy. He is well sung hero and heroes are forever. He not only led the team with skills and inspiration he also performed admirably with skillful bowling, useful batting when required and brilliant fielding. His extraordinary all round performance as a player and as a captain was his response to Bangladesh team management of their negligence which led him volunteer T20 international retirement when his mission was not yet over .
Coming back to BPL 2017 reigning champions Dhaka Dynamites roped in leading T20 cricketers from all over the cricket world making top ranked all rounder Shakib Al Hasan the captain. Mashrafe’s team Comilla Victorians chose to leave Mashrafe. He was chosen by the team Rangpur Riders.
Having CH Gayle, BB McCullum, J Charles like explosive batsmen in the team and Malinga, Bopara, Rubel alongside Mashrafe RR were a fighting unit. During the first second and third phase RR just scrapped through as its volcano appeared sleeping. RR just qualified for the business session finishing below Comilla Victorians, Dhaka Dynamites and Khulna Titans.
But Knock Out stage made RR Volcano erupt. Sleeping giants Gayle, Charles and McCullum all erupted. All three big guns Khulna Titans, Comilla Victorians and finally Dhaka Dynamites were swept away. That superman Gayle created world records taking his name flying higher than Mount Everest. He scored two centuries one against KT and other in the final against DD. In the last match he remained not out scoring 146 in 69 balls which had record 18 sixes and 5 fours . He was half fit getting injured in the last qualifier.
Coming back Mashrafe this BPL was special for him. He performed regularly as premiere bowler. He also played few explosive innings when required .In the field he was a smart fielder moving likes Cheetah. He looked fighting fit. His all round performance was a stunning blow on the BCB team management which created situation for committed Mashrafe quitting T20 international.
In BPL in future other successful captains would emerge for sure .But matching Mashrafe and reaching his height would remain a huge challenge.
He outwitted Mahmudullah, Tamim and Shakib in last three matches of the tournament. Three teams were better placed than RR. But undaunted Mashrafe unleashed his appropriate plans on time .His midas touch changed Nahidul Islam , find touch back again for Sohag Gazi and Rubel Hossain. Look at Shakib making mistakes of letting RR bat after winning toss and getting buried under run mountain.
In bowling changes, batting order setting Shakib made mistakes in the final also. Why Afridi and Narin held back in a huge chase? Why he himself did not bowl full quota? Why three top spinners did not bowl in the middle overs? Why inexperienced Khaled was exposed in the last over? Shakib has lot to learn from Mashrafe.
We strongly suggest bringing Mashrafe back in T20 leadership. Let his change his mind. Bangladesh needs him for another two to three years.
BDST: 0838 HRS, DEC 13, 2017
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