Qualifier 1, Mirpur, February 12, 2023, 06:00 PM
125/10(17.1ov)
130/6(16.4ov)
Comilla Victorians beat Sylhet Strikers by 4 wickets
That's all from an action-packed day. We look forward to your company on Tuesday, 14th February as Rangpur Riders will collide with Sylhet Strikers in Qualifier 2. The match will start at 6 pm IST (12.30 pm GMT) and you can join in advance for the build-up. Cheers!
Imrul Kayes says that it has been a team performance from them in this tournament and credits all his boys. Adds that in a big match like this, chasing even a low score is difficult. He lauds the batting efforts of Sunil Narine at the start and Mosaddek Hossain towards the end. He picks Sylhet Strikers to be in the final as his preferred option as Comilla Victorians have the upper hand over them.
Tanvir Islam (4-0-30-2) is given the Player of the Match award. Says that he practices hard and works on his plans. On his fielding, Tanvir once again talks about the practice sessions he puts in and feels that anticipation and hard work are key.
Mashrafe Mortaza, the captain of Sylhet Strikers, says that the score was not good enough but he is impressed with his spinners and the bowling of Rubel Hossain. Wants to take the positives and move forward. Tells that their batting is never settled as they want to be flexible. Adds that their batting didn't click in this match and they will have a better shot in the next game. Further says that they have to be decent with their batting in the next game and points out that in all their lost games this season, their batting has been the prime reason. Mashrafe Mortaza is looking for improvement in all departments in Qualifier 2.
Presentation time...
Sylhet Strikers didn't turn up with the bat in a crunch game. They were abysmal and managed only 125 on the board. Their bowling in the Powerplay was decent as they picked three wickets but in a low chase, containing runs is equally important. There were a few fielding mishaps as well and the pitch was also offering good turn and bounce but they didn't have enough runs on the board. The golden chance for a straight entry to the final is missed and now Sylhet Strikers have to take the longer route.
A little bit of extra work but Comilla Victorians have eventually crossed the line. It was a clinical bowling performance from them to restrict Sylhet Strikers to a paltry total and then their top order approached the chase with aggressive intent. 58 runs were notched up in the Powerplay and from thereon, it was just about playing sensible cricket. Mosaddek Hossain and Moeen Ali formed a crucial stand to keep the required rate very much in check and despite losing a few wickets, they crossed the finish line to get the ticket to the finale.
In over# 17
6
3nb
6
0
1
Rubel Hossain 33/3(3.4)
16.4
6
SIX! HIGH AND HANDSOME! Here are the winning runs. It is full, on middle and leg. Andre Russell clears his front leg and tonks it over the fence at long on for a biggie. Comilla Victorians win the match by 4 wickets and get the first entry in the final.
16.4
3nb
No ball! A short ball, on off. Andre Russell hits it hard and flat over the bowler. The fielder hares to his right from long on and saves a boundary with a late dive. They take two. The umpire signals a no ball, as the bowler has overstepped. Free Hit to follow.
16.3
6
SIX! BANG! Rubel Hossain dishes a short ball, wide of off. This one flies off the deck. Andre Russell makes some room and hammers it over the third-man fence.
16.2
.
A bit shorter, outside off. Andre Russell tries to chase it but misses.
16.1
1
Full length, around middle. Mosaddek Hossain knocks it down to long on and jogs to the other end.
Strategic Time-Out. A dozen runs are needed for Comilla Victorians to book their place in the final. The way this pitch is behaving now, Sylhet Strikers would have been regretting their batting show and the fielding mishaps.
In over# 16
0
1
1b
0
0
0
George Linde 21/0(4)
15.6
.
Pushed through, quicker on middle and leg. Russell jams it out. Just two runs off the over. Sylhet Strikers are putting the squeeze on, although Comilla Victorians are just two big hits away from victory.
15.5
1
Full and on off. Hossain smacks it through covers for a single.
15.4
1b
BYE! This one angles in on off. Andre Russell tries to defend it out but does so inside the line. The ball grips and turns away sharply. Andre Russell gets beaten on the outside edge. The keeper is also unable to keep the ball in control. They collect a bye.
15.3
.
On off, defended out watchfully.