Kalabagan still dream of sealing super-six berth
Masakadza terms Mash as an inspirational captain
Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza added himself to the huge fan list of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza after being amazed with the latters shrewd leadership skill in on and off the field.
Masakadza has had the chance to watch Mashrafe from close range as he is playing the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) for Kalabagan Krira Chakra under the captaincy of Mashrafe. He watched how Mashrafes captaincy and exemplary batting and bowling changed the dynamics of the whole side which hardly believed in their ability when the league started.
Kalabagan was constantly under the scare of relegation but Mashrafe evolved the team to a confident outfit and showed them a dream to seal the super league spot. Mashrafe was in the charge of Kalabagans two wins so far and the latest victory came after a stunning onslaught of Mashrafe who hit fastest List A ton for Bangladesh to pave his sides 21-run victory over star studded Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club.
After smashing a record breaking 50 ball-century, Mashrafe was out with 51 ball-104 finally but the ton took his side to an imposing total of 316 which mighty Jamal batting line up couldnt overhaul.
The Mashrafe-ton however instilled a belief into the side that they could win any match in the next rounds, said Kalabagans Zimbabwe recruit Hamilton Masakadza. Kalabagan will take on Brothers Union today at BKSP-3 ground in a bid to keep its winning-streak.
From what I have seen, he is an inspirational captain. He sets a glorious example for the young players of the team and those players now believe they could make it (super league) happen, said Masakadza.
Due to Mashrafes historical knock, Masakadzas effort in the last match went largely unnoticed. Masakadza was also the instrumental in winning the match, scoring 45 and picking up four for 37 runs.
We have won two matches but we could have won some more. Simply luck wasnt with us in those matches. But we have learnt many things which we should utilize properly in the next matches, the Zimbabwe captain pointed out.
We still have the opportunity to move into the super league phase. Mashrafe instilled the belief into the young players. Moreover no teams in the league could play with utter domination. So its a chance for us to make a statement, he believed.
While Mashrafes captains knock helped his side bounce from the series of defeat in the last match, Brothers captain Shahriar Nafees also inspired the team with his consistent batting. Nafees hit 147 ball-134 in his sides 38-run win over CCS in the last match. Like Mashrafe, he will also be the key in Brotherss good fortune.
Kalabagan is boasted with some good players so we are expecting a competitive match. This league however turned out to be huge competitive with no team ruling the proceeding solely, Nafees said.
Nafees said his team didnt give up the hopes of playing super six and his teammates are ready to show greater intensity.
Meanwhile, Victoria Sporting Club is keen to grab the opportunity of topping the point table following the big guns upset defeat in the first phase of the sixth round of DPL.
Mohammedan Sporting Club squandered the chances to retain the top spot solely after their six-wicket defeat to Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club. Both Mohammedan and Doleshwar now share the top position with 10 points but Victoria has the chance to make their points 11 in seven matches when they take on win-less Cricket Coaching School (CCS).
An upset defeat of Victoria only could give Mohammedan and Doleshwar a sigh of relief but if the current performance is taken into the consideration, the match between Victoria and CCS should be a mismatch. The match will be held at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium today.
An inform Gazi Group Cricketers will face off struggling Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the days another match at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Gazi Group collected eight points in six matches so far while Jamals collection is six points in as many matches.
