BPL#3 Match 10; Rangpur Raiders Vs Sylhet Superstars Played on 26 November 2015

Rangpur 109/9 (Shakib Al Hasan, Thisara Perera 21; Mohammad Shahid 4-12) beat Sylhet Super Stars 103 (Mominul Haque 29, Mushfiqur Rahim 25; Shakib Al Hasan 3-31) by six runs.

Riders won three in four and consolidated its position on top of BPL3 as they shut out Superstars chasing the smaller score of 109 as Shakib the man in charge starred yet again with both bat and ball.

But his frayed temper arguing with umpire earned him a match suspension. Batting first on a sluggish wicket with balls not coming easy at the bat, turning and behaving a bit uncertain, Riders managed only 109 /9.

After two 1 run defeats it was match to win by Mustique’s Sylhet Superstars. But they had to absorb yet another shocking 6 wickets defeat. Perhaps stars are not in favor of superstar now.

Few believed that Riders would win it after managing a scoring of 109/9 confronting deadly accurate Mohammad Shahid bowling controlled wicket to wicket seam up deliveries.

 None but Shakib and Pererra could play with patience. For the second match in succession Riders rested their war veteran Misbah Ul Haq and the decision almost backfired. Shakib was watching the dugout bound procession of his mates as only three of the 11 managed score in double figures.

Shakib topped with 33 of 37, Pererra scored 21 off 20. Apart from the duo only opener, Lendl Simmons managed 13 off 14. Shahid is now a second or third seamer choice for Bangladesh national team. He does not appear in ODI and T20.

But in this BPL his performance has already attracted attention of cricket admirers. On slow low wicket he can be ideal pacer to be relied upon. It was sad that his epic efforts of 4/12 against star studded Riders could not earn the first win for his team.

Very few believed that Riders would get out of jail after their diabolic batting performance. But as Sammy told immediately after the match the players believed on their ability and showed their never say die attitude. These self-believing kept Riders remain cool.

Skipper Shakib led from the front. He created an early panic into Superstars camp getting two wickets with his sliders. Little bird Mominul played some delectable strokes in his 23 balls 29 and perhaps a bit unlucky to be adjudged out from yet another poor umpiring decision.

Like Shakib in Riders innings captain Mushfique also witnessed his mates coining in and going out through soft dismissals. He stood firm and stayed till the last over but failed to lead his team to victory. Superstars had yet another heart breaking defeat by 6 runs. They remain without win after three matches.  Riders on the other hand won three out of four.

Shakib had an unwanted gesture. He looked ugly when arguing with umpire ruling Musfque not out. Later for his behavior he has been suspended for a match. It was unfair on the part of Bangladesh cricket icon to behave in such a manner.

Millions of fans all across cricket world idealize their heroes. With such manner Shakib wont sent good example for youngsters. In field umpires decision correct or incorrect must be taken in good sportman’s spirit.

BDST: 0934 HRS, NOV 25, 2015
RS