Barishal, Comilla eying BPL final at first chance

Sports Desk :    |    ০৭:৫৩ পিএম, ২০২২-০২-১৩

 BSS
 In a bid to confirm the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at the first chance, Fortune Barishal will lock horns with Comilla Victorians in the first Qualifier tomorrow (Monday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

 
Considering the form, it is Fortune Barishal who have the edge, leading into the first Qualifier. They topped the group stage with 15 points from 10 matches, winning seven games and drawing one due to rain. It meant they only lost two matches, one of which at the hands of Comilla Victorians. Imrul Kayes-led Comilla beat Shakib Al Hasan-led Barishal by 63 runs at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at the first half of the tournament.
 
Of the seven wins of Barishal, six came in a row and during the course of their unbeaten run they took a sweet revenge by defeating Comilla by 32 runs in Sylhet Cricket Stadium.
 
However, Barishal will aim to make it seven in a row apart from confirming the final when they take on Comilla again tomorrow.  
 
Comilla finished the group stage in second spot with 13 points, winning six matches and drawing one due to rain. They nevertheless were not as consistent as Barishal but they are the only team who could give Barishal a torrid period.
 
“It’s imperative to win the game after coming at this stage of BPL,” Comilla advisor Steve Rhodes said here today. “We know how tough it is to face off against a team like Barishal but we know their strengths and weaknesses. We have also played well. But we are waiting for a hard and tough game.”
 
The loser of tomorrow’s game won’t be eliminated. Rather they will get another chance to give a shot at the final as they will take on the winner of the Eliminator game. Khulna Tigers will take on Chattogram Challengers in the Eliminator game earlier on the day.
 
Steve Rhodes said they are not thinking about another chance, rather they want to confirm the final at first chance.
 
“Obviously we are not thinking about losing the game. We know if we are beaten, there will be another chance, it is good. But why will we think about losing the game. We will go there to win.”
 
Fortune Barishal is blessed to have a player and captain like Shakib Al Hasan who was adjudged man of the match for the last five matches in a row to set a new record. No other player in T20 cricket had the record of being adjudged man of the match for the five matches at a stretch. Moreover, Barishal also have a mysterious spinner like Mujeeb Ur Rahman who is used to give breakthrough at any stage of the game.

Steve Rhodes admitted Shakib and Mujeeb could make a difference but said they will take on the duo with positive intent.
 
“We know it is challenging to deal with Shakib and Mujeeb but we will go there with positive intent,” he remarked.