BPL 2017, Match 1 Review: Sylhet Sixers registers comprehensive 9 wickets win over Dhaka Dynamites in the inaugural match

In the curtain-raiser of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2017 Sylhet Sixers handed defending champions Dhaka Dynamites a comprehensive nine wickets defeat in Sylhet on Sunday (November 4). In reply to Dhaka’s 136 for 7, Sylhet chased down the total with 19 balls in hand. Opener Upul Tharanga was adjudged man of the match for his unbeaten 69 off 48. The opening duo Tharanga and Andre Fletcher set a record 125 runs partnership. The partnership was finally broken by leg-spinner Adil Rashid who bamboozled Fletcher for 63.

In front of local fans, this victory will boost Sylhet’s confidence before their next game against Rajshahi Kings on November 7 at their home venue. Sylhet skipper Nasir Hossain winning the all-important invited Dhaka to bat first. In the very first over, Dhaka lost the wicket of Mehidi Maruf for their team score two. Maruf was bamboozled by Hossain for a duck. Through Dhaka had a strong batting line-up they failed to produce a fighting score. While Hossain picked up two wickets Abul Hasan and Liam Plunkett got a brace.

Sylhet bowlers kept thing tight for Dhaka the visiting failed to set a good total on board. After Maruf’s dismissal mighty Evin Lewis (26) was also a victim of skipper Hossain. After two quick dismissals experienced Kumar Sangakkara retaliated for a while during his 32 off 28 before Plunkett got his wicket.

After Sangakkara’s dismissal, Dhaka’s innings was derailed. However, skipper Shakib Al Hasan (23) and Cameron Delport (20) tried to salvage the innings, but cheap dismissals of Keron Pollard and Mosaddek Hossain slowed down their innings. The visiting party finally managed finally managed to set a 137 runs target in 20 overs.

Victory in opening match will boost Sylhet Sixers’ confidence 

The smooth chase was steered by Tharanga who hit two sixes and five boundaries to facilitate Sylhet’s victory.

Nassir Hossain led side came back to the BPL fold after a hiatus. On their very first match, this comprehensive victory will boost their confidence. With the opening duo, Tharanga and Fletcher are in superb form and bowlers have done a commendable job to restrict Dhaka to a paltry total Sylhet have all good reason to celebrate their victory in the inaugural match of BPL 5.

This year the beautiful city of Sylhet got their team to pride for. This victory will also boost fans’ confidence before their next game.

Dhaka Dynamites have areas for improvements

The match also depicted that the defending champions need to do cross-checks before their second match. On the eve of the match, Dhaka skipper made a long claim that his team is capable of beating Sylhet Sixers. However, during the course of the match, they were outclassed by Sylhet’s balanced team led by Hossain.

Meanwhile, BPL has been under the spotlight since the ambitious Global T20 in South Africa was postponed for an indefinite reason. With foreign players like Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, Darren Sammy, Lasith Malinga are in the mix, the franchise based tournament has become a hit among the local fans. Fans were seen queuing up for a ticket across the nation. However, it is expected this year the league will not see anything negative that could affect the league’s image.

Brief Scores:

Dhaka Dynamites: 136/7 in 20 overs (Kumar Sangakkara 32; Liam Plunkett 2/20)

Sydney Sixers: 137/1 in 16.5 overs (Upul Tharanga 69, Andre Fletcher 63)