Despite a well-composed and unbeaten 73 of Tamim Iqbal, Minister Group Dhaka lost to Chattogram Challengers on Tuesday in Sylhet in the ongoing Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Dhaka needed to score 9 from the last six balls bowled by Mrittunjoy Chowdhury. Dhaka failed to do so despite a wide and a no-ball from the left-arm pacer. And subsequently, Dhaka failed to chase down the target of 149, they instead tumbled for 145 and lost the match by three runs.
It was Dhaka’s third defeat in seven matches they have played, and in contrast, it was the third win for Chattogram which kept them alive in the race.
Chattogram batted first and posted 148 with Shamim Hossain hitting the highest of 52 off 37 balls with five fours and one six.
All of Dhaka’s six bowlers have taken a wicket each.
In reply, Tamim was firm at one end of the wicket, but the next three batters failed to reach two-digit scores. Mahmudullah Riyad and Shuvagata Chowdhury were dismissed at crucial moments scoring 24 and 22 respectively, which left Dhaka in trouble that they were not able to pass.
Dhaka sent Mashrafe Bin Mortaza to bat before Mahmudullah and Shuvagata surprisingly, but it did not work for them as Mashrafe returned a duck.
For Chattogram, Shoriful Islam and Mrittunjoy bagged two wickets each.
Afif Hossain led Chattogram in this match instead of Naeem Islam who was handed the captaincy by the team management from Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The reason for opting Afif as captain was unknown.
In their next match, Chattogram will take on Sylhet Sunrisers again on February 12 while Dhaka will lock horns against Khulna Tigers on February 9.
Source: United News of Bangladesh