Five-for Afif steals the show

Afif Hossain Dhrubo, the national Under-19 vice-captain, made a remarkable debut, claiming five for 21 on his first ever match in the senior level cricket to script Rajshahi Kings’ tremendous six-wicket victory over Chittagong Kings at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
But despite his stunning performance, Rajshahi Kings were left waiting to seal the super four spot as they failed to take the advantage given by Afif.
Afif helped the side restrict Chittagong to a paltry 111 for nine and to ensure the super four spot, they needed to gun it down by 13.2 overs. However despite a frantic effort of James Franklin who smashed an unbeaten 27 ball-63, Rajshahi needed three balls more to overhaul the target as they reached the winning mark in 13.5 overs.
By denying Rajshahi to reach the target in 13.2 overs, Chittagong placed them in second position of the point table and confirmed the super four sport regardless of the outcome of any result. Chittagong indeed is the second team to reach super four after Dhaka Dynamites who also confirmed that they would remain at top spot irrespective of any outcome.
Both Chittagong and Rajshahi have 12 points after the 12th and their last match but the Chittagong has edge over better run rate.
Rajshahi’s hope will be lied on the match between Comilla Victorians and Rangpur Riders; Dhaka Dynamites and Khulna Titans. Both Rangpur and Khulna have 12 points in 11 matches. If both of the team win their respective matches, Rajshahi will be eliminated. If one between Rangpur or Khulna loss their game, Rajshahi would be through on better run rate.
Afif was picked up by Rajshahi Kings coach Sarwar Imran who was impressed by his marauding batting with BKSP team. Even though he never played any game with the senior level team, Imran was convinced by his natural talent to replace injured Rony Talukdar.
Afif had made two whirlwind centuries and a 70 plus knock in the three practice matches that Under-19 team played split into two groups in the BKSP ahead of the Youth Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.
However he was given chance in the most crucial match which was a must-win game for Rajshahi to stay alive in the BPL-4. And Afif appeared as surprise package but not with the batting for which he was selected in Rajshahi Kings team.
He dazzled with his off-spin that accounted five wickets including the like of Chris Gayle. Vikings never recovered from the nightmare he gave them.
Afif came to bowling when Chittagong was struggling with nine for two, after Kesrick Williams scattered inform Tamim Iqbal’s wicket in the first ball of the innings and Mehedi Hasan Miraj removed Anamul Haque Bijoy in the second over.
Jahurul Islam Omee invited Afif to the senior level cricket with consecutive fours but the 18-year old dismissed Omee in the third ball by trapping him leg-before to take sweet revenge. The TV replay however showed the ball touched the bat before hitting his leg.
Afif then took the prized scalp of Chris Gayle who scored just five to make his debut significant. Chittagong was at precarious 29 for four at that point and a sizable total was under threat even though Shoaib Malik held together the innings with utmost confidence.

 

Five-for Afif steals the show

Afif Hossain Dhrubo, the national Under-19 vice-captain, made a remarkable debut, claiming five for 21 on his first ever match in the senior level cricket to script Rajshahi Kings tremendous six-wicket victory over Chittagong Kings at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. But despite his stunning performance, Rajshahi Kings were left waiting to seal the super four spot as they failed to take the advantage given by Afif. Afif helped the side restrict Chittagong to a paltry 111 for nine and to ensure the super four spot, they needed to gun it down by 13.2 overs. However despite a frantic effort of James Franklin who smashed an unbeaten 27 ball-63, Rajshahi needed three balls more to overhaul the target as they reached the winning mark in 13.5 overs. By denying Rajshahi to reach the target in 13.2 overs, Chittagong placed them in second position of the point table and confirmed the super four sport regardless of the outcome of any result. Chittagong indeed is the second team to reach super four after Dhaka Dynamites who also confirmed that they would remain at top spot irrespective of any outcome. Both Chittagong and Rajshahi have 12 points after the 12th and their last match but the Chittagong has edge over better run rate. Rajshahis hope will be lied on the match between Comilla Victorians and Rangpur Riders; Dhaka Dynamites and Khulna Titans. Both Rangpur and Khulna have 12 points in 11 matches. If both of the team win their respective matches, Rajshahi will be eliminated. If one between Rangpur or Khulna loss their game, Rajshahi would be through on better run rate. Afif was picked up by Rajshahi Kings coach Sarwar Imran who was impressed by his marauding batting with BKSP team. Even though he never played any game with the senior level team, Imran was convinced by his natural talent to replace injured Rony Talukdar. Afif had made two whirlwind centuries and a 70 plus knock in the three practice matches that Under-19 team played split into two groups in the BKSP ahead of the Youth Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. However he was given chance in the most crucial match which was a must-win game for Rajshahi to stay alive in the BPL-4. And Afif appeared as surprise package but not with the batting for which he was selected in Rajshahi Kings team. He dazzled with his off-spin that accounted five wickets including the like of Chris Gayle. Vikings never recovered from the nightmare he gave them. Afif came to bowling when Chittagong was struggling with nine for two, after Kesrick Williams scattered inform Tamim Iqbals wicket in the first ball of the innings and Mehedi Hasan Miraj removed Anamul Haque Bijoy in the second over. Jahurul Islam Omee invited Afif to the senior level cricket with consecutive fours but the 18-year old dismissed Omee in the third ball by trapping him leg-before to take sweet revenge. The TV replay however showed the ball touched the bat before hitting his leg. Afif then took the prized scalp of Chris Gayle who scored just five to make his debut significant. Chittagong was at precarious 29 for four at that point and a sizable total was under threat even though Shoaib Malik held together the innings with utmost confidence.