Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam landed in Bangladesh for his first appearance in this season of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and faced a challenging task straightaway. In the run chase of 121, Rangpur Riders found themselves struggling at 39/6 in the seventh over. Babar was running out of partners as Sylhet Strikers bowlers had their tails up. Then he found the perfect partner in Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai and shared an unbeaten match-winning 86-run partnership for the seventh wicket at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka.
Earlier Rangpur Riders won the toss and opted to field first. Sylhet Strikers suffered a batting collapse too as they lost half the side for 39 in the ninth over. Their overseas recruits Benny Howell and Ben Cutting scored 37 each to help them post a total of 120/8. Babar was exceptional in the field as well pulling off a direct hit from the outfield.
In the run chase, Babar kept on losing partners. Rony Talukdar, Brandon King, and Nurul departed early. In the seventh over, Dushan Hemantha struck thrice to dismiss Shamim Hossain, Mohammad Nabi, and Mahedi Hasan. Rangpur Riders were 39/6 after the seventh over when Omarzai came out to bat.
Babar and Omarzai tried to soak up the pressure. At the halfway stage, they were 53/6 but the required run rate was not out of grasp. In the next over, Babar and Omarzai hit one boundary each to release the pressure. After 23 boundary-less deliveries, Omarzai hit the first six of the innings. In the 17th over, Babar reached his half-century from 45 balls.
In the 18th over, they tried to close out the game. Tanzim Hasan Sakib was on the receiving end as he went for 16 runs. In the penultimate over, Omarzai hit Richard Ngarava for a six to finish the run chase in style. Babar congratulated Omarzai as he played a fine knock under pressure. Babar anchored the run chase and scored 56 runs from 49 balls including six fours. Omarzai remained unbeaten for 47 off 35 balls including two fours and three sixes.
Omarzai was adjudged ‘Player of the match’ and he revealed the conversation with Babar in the middle.
“I'm so happy, I batted with Babar Azam the most experienced player and he's class. We discussed about rotating the strike and wait for the loose ball. I was waiting to give him strike. I waited for the loose ball and tried to hit that for a boundary,” the 23-year-old said.
This was Rangpur Riders' first win of the tournament. On the other hand, Mashrafe Mortaza-led Sylhet Strikers are yet to open their account.
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