BPL 2019-20: Match 31, Review- Dhaka Platoon counter Mushfiqur Rahim’s threat to claim top spot

Both Dhaka Platoon and Khulna Tigers had their moments during their clash in Sylhet. Mushfiqur Rahim, the Tigers’ skipper, kept his team in the game during the run-chase. But in end, Mashrafe Mortaza’s Platoon managed to get over the line by 12 runs. It also helped Dhaka claim the top spot in the table. For the Tigers, they slide down to fourth with four games left in the round robin stage.

Asif Ali propels the Platoon

The Platoon made a steady start after being sent in to bat. Tamim Iqbal (25) and Anamul Haque (15) helped their team score 45 in the powerplay. Mohammad Amir gave the Tigers their first wicket, getting rid of Tamim. In the next over, Shafiul Islam trapped Anamul in front. The Platoon lost Mahedi Hasan to Aminul Islam Biplob. After the quick wickets, the innings slowed down a wee bit.

Mominul Haque (38) and Ariful Haque (37*) got the scoreboard ticking, getting the odd boundary. By the end of the 17th over, the Platoon were going at around seven runs per over. But in the last three overs, they managed 52 runs courtesy Asif Ali. The right-hander came to bat and blazed away to 39 off 13 with two fours and four sixes. The onslaught helped the Platoon amass 172 in their 20 overs.

Mushfiqur Rahim’s effort go in vain

The Tigers sent Biplob to open with Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The move failed as he fell prey to Mashrafe Mortaza. Mehidy tried a ramp-shot off Hasan Mahmud only to see his stumps shattered. Shadab Khan accounted for Shamsur Rahman’s wicket to pile more misery for the Tigers. In the eight over, Mahmud delivered the body blow, removing Rilee Rossouw, the Tigers’ leading run-scorer.

The required-rate had gone in excess of 10 by the end of the eight over. The pressure was immense on Mushfiqur Rahim (64) and Najibullah Zadran (31). The duo put on a 50-run stand off 43 balls. A stupendous throw from Asif Ali led to Najibullah’s run-out. In the last five overs, the Tigers needed 69. Mushfiqur got his fifty off 27 balls, but Hasan Mahmud dismissed him to seal the fate of the game.

Brief Scores

Dhaka Platoon: 172/4 in 20 overs (Asif Ali 39*, Mominul Haque 38; Mohammad Amir 2/27)

Khulna Tigers: 160/8 in 20 overs (Mushfiqur Rahim 64, Najibullah Zadran 31; Hasan Mahmud 4/32)

Dhaka Platoon win by 12 runs.