Chattogram Challengers, Rangpur Riders, Comilla Victorians, and Fortune Barishal have all advanced to the playoffs.
Chattogram Challengers managed a timely turnaround to secure a playoff spot, joining the top-performing Rangpur Riders, Comilla Victorians, and Fortune Barishal. Meanwhile, Durdanto Dhaka, Sylhet Strikers, and Khulna Tigers were knocked out of the Bangladesh Premier League. Here are some highlights from the final week of the league stage.
The week began with the Khulna Tigers overcoming a struggling Dhaka team to secure their fifth win of the season following five consecutive losses. Khulna had initially won their first four games. Meanwhile, Dhaka suffered defeats in both matches this week, bringing their streak of successive losses to 11, setting a BPL record.
Shakib Al Hasan maintained his resurgence in batting with a 39-ball 62, leading Rangpur to an 18-run victory over Chattogram. Chattogram then rebounded with a 10-run win against Dhaka and followed up with a decisive win over Khulna Tigers to secure their playoff spot. Tanzid Hasan contributed crucial runs in both matches, especially in the latter, where he scored his maiden T20 century.
The week also featured Rangpur’s Abu Hider claiming a five-wicket haul against Barishal. Still, Tamim Iqbal’s celebration of Shakib’s wicket garnered more attention. Despite the focus on his celebration, Tamim’s batting has been the season’s highlight. He guided Barishal into the playoffs with a strong 66 against Comilla, propelling him to the top of the run-scorers chart with 391 runs by the end of the league phase.
Kyle Mayers made a memorable BPL debut with a rapid 48 and 3 for 12 in Barishal’s 18-run victory over Sylhet Strikers. Meanwhile, fellow West Indian Andre Russell made his first significant impact in BPL 2024 with a 12-ball 43 for Comilla against Rangpur, achieving a strike rate of 358.33, the highest ever in a BPL innings with a minimum of 25 runs.
Sylhet ended their campaign on a high with two wins this week. Benny Howell was pivotal in both matches, smashing a 31-ball 62 against Comilla Victorians and then taking 3 for 15 to lead them to a six-wicket victory over Khulna Tigers.
The batter of the Week: Tanzid Hasan
Tanzid Hasan had previously managed just one fifty this season before his spectacular performances this week. He kicked off with a commanding 70 off 51 balls against Dhaka, showcasing his power-hitting abilities with six sixes and a four. Building on this form, he achieved his first-ever T20 century against Khulna, scoring an impressive 116 off 65 balls. His innings included eight sixes and as many fours, highlighting his exceptional striking prowess.
These two explosive innings were crucial for Chattogram. The victories in both matches revitalized their campaign, leading to a dramatic and late turnaround in their season. The back-to-back wins demonstrated Tanzid’s crucial role. They propelled Chattogram into the playoffs, significantly shifting their fortunes.
Abu Hider poses with Rangpur Riders bowling coach Tareq Aziz after bagging a five-wicket haul•Raton Gomes/BCB
Bowler of the Week: Abu Hider
In just his second appearance of the season, Abu Hider achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Bangladeshi bowler to secure a five-wicket haul in this league edition. His performance against Barishal was nothing short of spectacular. He was a dominant force from the outset, claiming three crucial wickets within his first five deliveries. He dismissed key players Mushfiqur Rahim, Soumya Sarkar, and Kyle Mayers, significantly impacting Barishal’s batting lineup.
Building on this early success, Hider excelled and completed his maiden T20 five-wicket haul by removing Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. His exceptional bowling performance highlighted his skill and precision and underscored his crucial role in the match.
Cheer on your favorite player! Visit our site to show them your support and make a difference.
One thought on “BPL Highlights: Tanzid’s Fire, Mayers’ Debut, Tamim vs. Shakib – Bangladesh Premier League”