Chattogram beat Dhaka in thrilling clash

Mrittunjoy Chowdhury’s last over heroics propelled Chattogram Challengers to a three-run win over Minister Group Dhaka in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Tamim Iqbal hit an unbeaten 73 off 56 balls but failed to score nine runs in the last over as Dhaka finished on 145-6 Alongside Tamim, Shuvagata Hom remained unbeaten on 22 off 11 balls while Chattogram’s last over hero Mrittunjoy claimed two wickets. For Chattogram, Shamim Hossain scored the highest 52 off 37 balls while Afif Hossain and Will Jacks chipped in with 27 off 24 and 26 off 24 respectively to take them to 148-6. Sent to bat, Chattogram lost opener Zakir Hasan for a single inside the second over but Jacks and Afif didn’t let their momentum stifle. In the second wicket stand, they added 40 runs to overcome the initial damage before Jacks gave a catch behind the stumps off Arafat Sunny. Mehidy Hasan, promoted to four, couldn’t become contribute much as he was caught by Mohammad Naim for two off three off Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, which reduced Chattogram to 56-3 in 8.4 overs. Set batsman Afif, who also became Chattogram’s third captain this season on Tuesday after Mehidy and Naeem Islam, also departed in the next over giving a catch to Mohammad Naim off Mahmudullah.

In the sixth wicket stand, Shamim and Benny Howell smacked 58 off just 41 balls to take Chattogram to a respectable total. Shamim Hossain fell to Ebadot Hossain after scoring a half-century while Howell remained undefeated on 24 off 19 balls. In reply, Dhaka made a stuttering start as they lost three batters inside the powerplay that placed them at 21-3. However, Tamim carried on in his merry way and added 71 off 59 balls with skipper Mahmudullah in the fourth wicket stand. Mahmudullah fell for a sluggish 24 off 29 balls but the loss of his partner didn’t stop Tamim. He and Shuvagata scored 43 off just 25 balls in the next stand but in the final over Mrittunjoy’s brilliant display of death over bowling won the match for Chattogram. With the win, Chattogram kept their qualification hopes alive as they have four wins in nine matches with one league phase game to go. On the other hand, Dhaka are now placed fifth, one place below Chattogram, with seven points in eight games.

Chattogram bring in another change in captaincy

Chattogram Challengers once more surprised at the toss, bringing in a new captain in Afif Hossain to replace Naeem Islam for their match against Minister Group Dhaka in the ongoing Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League in Sylhet on Tuesday. Previously, the franchise had come under intense media focus after they had replaced Mehedi Hasan Miraz with Naeem as their captain just before a match against Sylhet Sunrisers.