On Thursday night, the Comilla Victorians again secured their BPL title by overcoming the Sylhet Strikers in a thrilling final. The match showcased exceptional performances from players on both sides, leading to several standout individuals prominently featured in this combined XI.The final showcased the exceptional level of competition and skill demonstrated throughout the tournament.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, representing the Sylhet Strikers, delivered an impressive performance throughout the tournament, accumulating 516 runs. His consistent form was highlighted by a commendable batting average of 39.69. Additionally, Shanto maintained a dynamic strike rate of 116.74, reflecting his aggressive approach and ability to score quickly. His contributions were crucial to his team’s performance and made him a standout player in the competition.
After five seasons of underwhelming performances, Shanto has made a significant breakthrough with a standout display. He became the first Bangladeshi player to surpass 500 runs in a BPL season, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. His highest score this season was an unbeaten 89 against Fortune Barishal, and his crucial fifty in the final, his fourth of the season, was particularly notable. What stood out most was his consistency, which he now hopes to bring to the international stage.
Rony Talukdar (Rangpur Riders)
Runs 425, Average 35.41, Strike rate 129.17
This was Talukdar’s most impressive BPL season, surpassing his previous best of 317 runs at a 140.26 strike rate from 2018-19. He was a key player for the Rangpur Riders and was known for his explosive starts. During the Powerplay, he maintained an impressive average of 61.50, with only four dismissals in the first six overs. His high standing among the tournament’s top run-scorers places him in direct competition with players like Mohammad Naim, Munim Shahriar, and Anamul Haque, who also vied for a spot in the T20I team. With the Bangladesh squad for the England series next month approaching, it could be Talukdar’s chance to make the cut.
Towhid Hridoy (Sylhet Strikers)
Runs 403, Average 36.63, Strike rate 140.41
Had he not improved his game this season, Hridoy might have been remembered as a BPL footnote—known for his inability to hit the last ball of the 2022 final for a boundary. However, he revamped his T20 approach and delivered his first significant performance at any level. This season, he has introduced several new shots, including the pick-up over square-leg, cuts over point, and extra cover. Despite recovering from a hand injury and continuing to bat effectively, his duck in the final is a setback. Still, it doesn’t overshadow his overall impressive effort.
Shakib Al Hasan (Fortune Barishal)
Wickets 10, Economy rate 6.31, Runs: 375, Strike rate: 174.41
He has been named to ESPNcricinfo’s BPL XI for the seventh time, the highest number achieved by any player in the competition’s history. Shakib led Fortune Barishal admirably, particularly during the tournament’s first half when they were unstoppable. However, he made a minor error in their final match—the Eliminator—by lowering the order and not getting a chance to bat. Despite this, he excelled with the ball, consistently taking wickets and conceding very few runs.
Iftikhar Ahmed (Fortune Barishal)
Runs 351, Average 58.50, Strike rate 157.39
While Iftikhar’s six sixes off a Wahab Riaz over in an exhibition match captured headlines this month, his performance in the BPL was equally impressive. He played arguably the most thrilling innings of the tournament, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 45 balls against the Chattogram Challengers, which included a 25-run over off Shamim Hossain. Additionally, he scored two other unbeaten fifties, solidifying his role as a critical middle-order player for Barishal. His absence after February 7 was keenly felt, as Barishal was eliminated in the Eliminator match.
Khushdil Shah (Comilla Victorians)
Runs 239, Average 47.80, Strike rate 161.48
Khushdil, another powerful middle-order player in the BPL, was known for his entertaining sixes. He was crucial in rescuing the Comilla Victorians from their early difficulties. Although he took some time to adjust to the Dhaka pitches, he ultimately ended his BPL stint with an impressive strike rate of 161.48. In addition to his batting, Khushdil provided valuable left-arm spin bowling and proved a reliable fielder.
Imad Wasim (Sylhet Strikers)
Wickets 12, Average 17.91, Economy rate 5.11
Only the Strikers fully appreciate how crucial Imad was with the new ball. He has consistently performed well in the BPL, but his efforts have been pivotal to their push to the final this season. Imad boasts the lowest economy rate (5.11) among bowlers who have delivered at least 150 balls in the competition. In fact, his 5.11 economy rate is the second-lowest in a season (minimum 240 balls) among all bowlers, just behind Sunil Narine’s 4.57 in 201.
Azmatullah Omarzai (Rangpur Riders)
Wickets 15, Average 18.33, Economy rate 7.17
The decision to drop fast bowler Omarzai for the Eliminator match stunned Shere Bangla National Stadium spectators. Although the legendary Dwayne Bravo replaced him, Omarzai had been a critical player for the Riders during the league stage. He was particularly effective with the new ball, claiming 13 of his 15 wickets in the Powerplay. His performance in the first six overs is impressive, with an 11.07 average and a 5.53 economy rate. Omarzai’s 13 Powerplay wickets rank as the third-best in BPL history, making him a player of interest for T20 scouts from other leagues.
Taskin Ahmed (Dhaka Dominators)
Wickets 10, Average 20.60, Economy rate 6.02
Taskin is only the second player after Shakib to be included in ESPNcricinfo’s BPL XI more than once. He continues to be Bangladesh’s top fast bowler across all formats, having excelled in Tests and ODIs over the past two years. Despite playing for the underperforming Dhaka Dominators, his standout performance came with figures of 4 for 9 against the Khulna Tigers, successfully defending just 108 runs—tying for the second-lowest total defended in BPL history.
Tanvir Islam (Comilla Victorians)
Wickets 17, Average 17.58, Economy rate 6.36
Standing out as a left-arm spinner in Bangladesh is challenging, but Tanvir achieved that in this season’s BPL. His precision and effectiveness across all game phases were crucial for the Victorians. Tanvir’s action generates a significant dip in his faster deliveries and boasts a distinctive celebration unique to the BPL. Tanvir could be an excellent choice for scouts seeking a versatile bowler for all phases of a T20 match.
Hasan Mahmud (Rangpur Riders)
Wickets 17, Average 24.82, Economy rate 7.98
Although fast bowler Mahmud has a higher average and economy rate than other bowlers, he delivered what the Riders needed most: wickets. Captain Nurul Hasan and coach Shohel Islam made sure he bowled in crucial situations. Mahmud has been the best death bowler in this BPL season, with his yorker being a key strength. He has also demonstrated proficiency with other deliveries and continues to develop as a formidable white-ball performer.
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