The ongoing BCB President’s Cup witnessed yet another low scoring encounter. However, Tamim XI’s Mahadi Hasan's 82-run innings, under pressure took his team to tournament-high score of 221/9 against Najmul XI in the BCB President's Cup match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday.
Najmul XI captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto won the all-important toss and decided to bowl first. Rain halted the match proceedings twice. It was yet another poor batting display from Tamim XI, who were bundled out for 103 in their previous encounter against Mahmudullah XI. Later, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, who came down at No. 9, took Tamim XI’s score at 221, with his stormy 57-ball 82. Skipper Tamim scored 45-ball 33. Mahedi’s 82 helped Tamim XI to post a somewhat fighting total on the board.
For Najmul XI, Al Amin Hossain scalped 3 wickets. Spinners Nayeem Hassan and Rishad Hossain grabbed two wickets each.
All eyes were on the batsmen yesterday, especially after the first two matches were low scoring encounters. And although the pitch behaved considerably better than the first two games with balls coming easily on bat, it was the batsmen who were to be blamed for throwing their wickets away.
Batting first, Tamim XI batsman Tanjid Hasan Tamim returned after hitting two fours. Anamul Haque could not change the situation by teaming up with Tamim Iqbal. Anamul got out in Taskin’s delivery. After that, Mohammad Mithun and Tamim went quickly, leaving their team struggling at 65/4 after 15.3 overs.
Mosaddeq Hossain’s condition was more debilitating. After scoring 12 runs off 46 balls, he returned to the pavilion with a bad shot. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain made Mosaddek his prey.
Shahadat Hossain Dipu of the Youth World Cup winning team was giving hope to his team, with his steady batting. He was batting with some sort of responsibility and resistance. However after scoring 52-ball 31 he was Rishad’s second victim, leaving his team at 108/7 after 31.2 overs.
Mohammad Saifuddin also could not make much of a difference and got out quickly. At one stage, it was looking like Tamim XI will not even cross 150. However, Mahadi’s bat fired just at the right time for Tamim's side. Mahadi played some magnificent shots at the death of the innings before falling to Mukidul Islam Mughdho in the final over. Mahadi’s 52-ball 82 consisted of 9 fours and 3 maximums. He along with Taijul Islam had a 92-run alliance for the ninth wicket, which propelled their team to 221. Taijul remained unbeaten on 21 off 43.