BPL 2019-20: Match 40, Review- Mehidy and Mushfiqur’s madness shows Cumilla Warriors the door of elimination

Khulna Tigers became the fourth team to qualify for the playoffs of the Bangabandhu BPL 2019-20. Mushfiqur Rahim and Co demolished the Cumilla Warriors by 90 runs in Mirpur. The Tigers put up an all-round show and also eliminated the Warriors out of the event. In fact, after the dominating show at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, the Tigers are in with a chance of ending in the top two.

Mehidy and Mushfiqur maul the Warriors

The Warriors’ decision to field first backfired on them big time as the Tigers plundered 218 in their 20 overs. Cumilla started well as Ifran Hossain trapped Najmul Hossain Shanto in front. Then Mujeeb Ur Rahman got rid of Rilee Rossouw when the latter was starting to look ominous with 24 off 11 balls. The early wickets turned out to be the only moments of joy for the Warriors in the first innings.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (74) and Mushfiqur Rahim put on 168 runs for the third wicket. It was only when the former was carried off the park due to an injury that the duo was separated. Mushfiqur was also batting with an injury, but went on to stay unbeaten on 98 off 57 with 12 fours and three sixes. For the Warriors, Mujeeb was the standout even as the other bowlers kept being carted away.

Warriors slide down the barrel

Cumilla had to go berserk from the outset and lost wickets in the quest of doing so. Mohammad Amir castled Sabbir Rahman for a golden duck to strike first blood. Shahidul Islam came to the party, first getting rid of Stiaan van Zyl and pinning Dawid Malan, the Warriors leading wicket-taker. From there on, the Warriors played catch-up and remained behind the 8-ball throughout their run-chase.

In the powerplay, Cumilla could only manage 41 runs, losing three wickets. Upul Tharanga (32) threw his bat around before Shamsur Rahman dismissed him. Amir came back and trapped Soumya Sarkar plumb in front. From there on, it was one-way traffic towards the Tigers. The Warriors threw their bats around even as the required rate kept climbing. In the end, Cumilla crawled to 120 in 20 overs.

Brief Scores

Khulna Tigers: 218/2 in 20 overs (Mushfiqur Rahim 98*, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 74 retired hurt; Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1/18)

Cumilla Warriors: 126/9 in 20 overs (Upul Tharanga 32, Fardeen Hasan Oney 22; Shahidul Islam 3/27)

Khulna Tigers win by 92 runs.