BPL 2019-20: Match 38, Review- Dhaka Platoon march into the playoffs; knock Rangpur Rangers out

Dhaka Platoon became the third team after Chattogram Challengers and Rajshahi Royals to qualify for the playoffs in the BPL. Mashrafe Mortaza and Co managed to script victory by 61 runs and also knocked the Rangpur Rangers out of the tournament. With four game left in the round-robin stage, one playoff spot is up for grabs and Khulna Tigers and Cumilla Warriors would be fighting for it.

Shadab’s blitzkrieg guides Platoon to respectability

The Platoon stuttered after being put in to bat first. On a seemingly slow strip, their batters lost frequent wickets and could only post 145 in their 20 overs. Tamim Iqbal had a painstaking stay in the middle. But he got 40 vital runs off 38 balls with the help of five fours. The opener perished to Taskin Ahmed in the quest to up the ante. Taskin and Mustafizur Rahman were tough to pounce on.

Both the fast bowlers picked up three wickets each and halted the Platoon’s surge. With the hosts straining to find their feet, Shadab Khan strolled out with intent. He smacked three sixes and a four to notch 31 off 19. Mashrafe Mortaza also cleared the rope once before getting out. For the Rangers, apart from Mustafizur and Taskin, Mohammad Nabi was also impressive, having picked two wickets.

Rangers huff and puff

The Rangers were never in the run-chase, losing wickets way too frequently. Mahedi Hasan got rid of Mohammad Naim in his very first over to strike first blood. Then the tweaker pinned Shane Watson plumb in front. Cameron Delport deposited Faheem Ashraf for two sixes, but got out to the same bowler. Lewis Gregory and Fazle Mahmud couldn’t make an impact and the Rangers slumped.

Al-Amin got a 22-ball 23 to get some momentum back. To his dismay, he succumbed to a bumper from Mashrafe. Then it was Shadab Khan’s turn to send back Jahurul Islam and Arafat Sunny off consecutive balls. At the other end, Mohammad Nabi felt the pressure. The veteran gave Faheem his second wicket. After his dismissal, the game was all over bar the shouting and the Platoon got home.

Brief Scores

Dhaka Platoon: 145/9 in 20 overs (Tamim Iqbal 40, Shadab Khan 31*; Taskin Ahmed 3/32)

Rangpur Rangers: 84 all out in 15.3 overs (Al-Amin 23, Cameron Delport 20; Mahedi Hasan 3/13)

Dhaka Platoon win by 61 runs.