BPL 2105 Match#23: Comilla Victorians Vs Barisal Bulls Played at SBNCS on 7 December 2015
Comilla Victorians: 106/3 (Ahmed Shehzad 76*, Ashar Zaidi 20*) beat Barisal Bulls 105/6 (Mahmudullah 26, Rony Talukdar 19, Sabbir Rahman 17, Ashar Zaidi 2/12) by 7 Wickets
Player of the Match: Ahmed Shehzad (Comilla Victorians)
In a mere cake walk Victorians trounced Bulls by 7 wickets in the battle of two top dogs of BPL 2015. Victorians became the first team to confirm play off. Put in to bat first on wicket retaining the moisture Bulls struggled right from the word go. Losing wickets at regular interval they could reach 105/6 in their allotted overs.
On the same surface Victorians cantered overhauling the target set in 17.3 Overs losing only 3 wickets. Ahmed Shehzad led the response with a brilliant well composed unbeaten 74. Victorians earning 12 points with 6 wins have confirmed play off as the first team. Back to back huge defeats over the last two days have created some uncertainties about Bulls prospect. They have to win at least one of their remaining matches to get through.
It is a sheer irony that Bulls lost two matches in succession after master blaster Chris Gayle joined them. In both matches he failed to fire. Bulls will now expect Gayle storm to curb their patch through in the must win next match. The manner in which Bulls played the last two matches has reasons to believe about fairness of these matches.
Much was expected from explosive opening pair Gayle and Lewis but they again failed to deliver. The wicket was slow turner. Mashrafe marshaled his resources smartly. But it was inept batting of Bulls batsmen that brought their downfall. It seemed run making an extremely difficult task when they batted. Mahmudullah, Rony Talukdar and Sabbir tried to resist. But they also got in and got out. The UK living Pakistani less known all-rounder Ashar Zaidi was again peak of Victorian bowlers. His 2/12 put a barricade to Bulls progress. A score of 105/6 was never going to be enough against Victorians.
Victorians response was featured by brilliant batting of Pakistani opener Ahmed Shehjad (74*) assisted by Ashar Zaidi again (20*). On the same surface where Bulls batsmen huffed and puffed Shehjad showed how to milk the bowling initially, get settled and then keep the wheel turning. His brilliant innings earned him man of the match. Victorians became the first team to confirm semifinal. Bulls still have to win at least one more match to reach there.
It is very difficult to ascertain why such a star studded batting line for the second day in succession can bat like a bunch of novice. Is it something beyond fair play many questioned?
Half fit Mashrafe again played the match defying urges of his huge army of fans. With his team already confirming semifinals he must take rest from the remaining first round matches for everyone’s sake.
Bulls are now in a spot of bother. The manner they have lost two back to back matches is not good for their moral. Chris Gayle has failed in two matches meaning that a Gayle Storm is yet to be seen any time. The team that will be in opposition will get burnt out.
BDST: 0957 HRS, DEC 08, 2015
SR
