BPL 2019-20: Match 11, Review- Cumilla Warriors keep Rangpur Rangers winless after a humdinger in Chattogram

Rangpur Rangers’ BPL 2019-20 campaign went from bad to worse after their third consecutive defeat. Mohammad Nabi and Co had their moments during the match against Cumilla Warriors at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. But in the end, the Rangers lost by six wickets in the last over. Meanwhile, the victory has taken Dasun Shanaka’s Warriors into the top four.

Warriors settle after Shahzad blitz

The Riders’ decision to bat first paid dividends initially as Mohammad Shahzad (61) went hammer and tongs and helped his team get 68 runs in the powerplay. Mohammad Naim failed though after Abu Hider Rony ran him out. Shahzad got to his fifty off 21 balls, but soon after Sunzamul Islam accounted for his wicket. After his dismissal, the Rangpur innings lost quite a bit of momentum.

Tom Abell (25), skipper Nabi (26) and Lewis Gregory (21) threatened to get going, but couldn’t cash in on the starts. A couple of cameos from Nadif Chowdhury (15) and Arafat Sunny (15) churned out some lusty blows and guide his team to a formidable 181/8. For the Warriors, spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the standout bowler with the wickets of Jahurul Islam and Afghanistan teammate Nabi.

Warriors prevail in cliff-hanger

The Warriors got off to a fast start as well. Bhanuka Rajapaksha (32) and Soumya Sarkar (41) put on 61 runs for the opening wicket in the powerplay. Nabi gave the Rangers the much-needed breakthrough, getting rid of Rajapaksha. Mukidul Islam nipped out Sarkar to second the second opener back to the hut. From there on, Sabbir Rahman (49) and Dawid Malan (42) took charge.

The required rate crept up over 11, but the Warriors’ batters didn’t succumb to pressure. Mustafizur Rahman removed Sabbir to bring the Rangers back into the game. But Malan brought all his experience into play and guided his team over the line. Dasun Shanaka also hit a timely six to help the Warriors’ cause. 11 runs were needed in the last over and the Warriors got it with two balls left.

Brief Scores

Rangpur Rangers: – 181/8 in 20 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 61, Mohammad Nabi 26; Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2/25)

Cumilla Warriors: – 182/4 in 19.4 overs (Sabbir Rahman 49, Dawid Malan 42; Mohammad Nabi 1/25)

Cumilla Warriors win by 6 wickets.