Comilla edge past Sylhet in a low-scoring encounter

Hot-favourites Comilla Victorians have kicked off their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) campaign with a two-wicket win against Sylhet Sunrisers at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.

The third match of the BPL produced another low-scoring game, like the opening match of the franchise-based tournament yesterday, with Comilla having struggled to chase a modest total of 96 scored by Sylhet after being sent in to bat first.

Despite losing Anamul Haque Bijoy early, opener Colin Ingram took Sylhet to a stable ground during the powerplay, striking three boundaries and a six. However, from 33 for one after 5.3 overs, Sylhet kept losing wickets on a regular interval and were bundled out for a dismal total of 96. Colin top-scored with 20 and Ravi Bopara, Sohag Gazi were able to reach double figures while the extras piled up to 19 runs, comprising 14 wide deliveries.

All of Comilla bowlers contributed with pacers Mustafizur Rahman, Shohidul Islam and spinner Nahidul Islam scalping a brace. Even part-time spinner Mominul Haque chipped in with a wicket of Bopara, caught brilliantly by Faf Du Plessis at the boundary.

Star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman‘s high-arm action in display. The cutter master bowled as per his reputation today, with figures of 4-0-15-2, which included 15 dot balls. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

In reply, Comilla suffered an early blow with du Plessis (2) departing from a caught-and-bowled dismissal by off-spinner Sohag. And after 10.2 overs, Comilla were in a spot of bother, having lost five wickets for 55. However, a 27-run partnership between Nahidul and Karim Janat steadied the ship somewhat but three quick wickets in the span of six runs had Comilla rattled at 88 for 8 after 16.3 overs.

With the asking run rate not an issue from then onward, eventually, Mahidul Islam Ankon and Tanvir Islam ensured that Comilla safely reach the shores of victory with eight deliveries to spare.     

Nazmul Islam was the pick of the bowlers for Sylhet with three dismissals while fellow spinners Shohag and Mossadek Hossain scalped two.

Pacer Taskin Ahmed had a good outing with figures of 4-0-19-1 which included 13 dot balls. Photo: Firoz Ahmed