BPL 2019-20: Eliminator, Review- Chattogram Challengers end rusty Dhaka Platoon’s journey

Out of the first six editions of the BPL, Dhaka Platoon had played five finals. But in the ongoing version of the T20 league, they won’t be getting the privilege. Chattogram Challengers defeated them by seven wickets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium to knock them out of the tournament. Mahmudullah’s Challengers have no moved to the Qualifier 2, which will take place on January 15.

Shadab Khan guides Platoon to respectability

The Platoon made a horrendous start, losing wickets in heaps. Out of the top six, only Mominul Haque could cross the double-digit mark. He stood his ground until the 11th over and managed a run-a-ball 31 with three fours and a six. Rayad Emrit found his outside edge to pile more agony for the Platoon. Prior to that, Emrit also got rid of Mahedi Hasan and Jaker Ali off consecutive deliveries.

Jaker, Anamul Haque and Luis Reece couldn’t open their account. In the 13th over, Platoon were tottering at 60 for seven. But a 44-run stand between Shadab Khan and Thisara Perera (25) injected some momentum into the innings. Even after Perera got out, Shadab notched his fifty off 36 balls. Shadab stayed unbeaten on 64 off 41 balls with five fours and three sixes, taking his team to 144.

Challengers get home in a canter

The Challengers promoted Ziaur Rahman to open the batting with Chris Gayle and move paid off. The duo put on 42 runs for the opening wicket to start the run-chase. Mahedi Hasan broke the stand, removing Rahman, who got a quickfire 12-ball 25. Gayle ambled along and scored 38 off 49, but stitched a 49-run partnership with Imrul Kayes, who managed 32 precious runs off 22 balls.

Interestingly, Shadab was introduced in the 13th over and he delivered right away, getting rid of Kayes. In his second over, the tweaker also accounted for Gayle’’s wicket. After the last strategic timeout, the Challengers needed 29 off four overs. Mahmudullah (34*) and Chadwick Walton (12*) didn’t let any panic sneak in. Eventually, the Challengers chased the target down with 14 balls left.

Brief Scores

Dhaka Platoon: 144/8 in 20 overs (Shadab Khan 64, Mominul Haque 31; Rayad Emrit 3/23)

Chattogram Challengers: 147/3 in 17.4 overs (Chris Gayle 38, Mahmudullah 34; Shadab Khan 2/32)

Chattogram Challengers win by seven wickets.