All-round Omarzai leads Rangpur to win against Comilla

Afghanistan recruit Azmatullah Omarzai came up with
yet another stellar all-round performance to help Rangpur Riders clinch an
eight-run victory over Comilla Victorians at Sylhet International Cricket
Stadium today.

Omarzai hit 20 ball-36 not out and then took 2-31 to script the victory,
following his 15 ball-32 and 2-14 against Durdanto Dhaka, which also the
Rangpur won by 79 runs.

His consecutive two all-rounder performance took Rangpur to the third place
in the point table, behind Khulna Tigers and Chattogram Challengers.

Electing to bat first, Rangpur compiled 165-5 before restricting defending
champions Comilla to 157-6.

Pakistan recruit Babar Azam, top-scored with 37 after opening the innings.
But Babar who struck four fours and one six, played 36 balls, which
effectively slowed down the scoreboard.

Omarzai however amended by giving rapid finish, which was instrumental in
helping the side propel past 150. He struck three fours and two sixes in his
knock.

Fazle Mahmud was the other notable contributor with 30 off 21.

Raymon Reifer grabbed 2-20 for Comilla.

Omarzai then gave Comilla Victorians captain Liton Das a third ball-duck
before Mohammad Rizwan and Mahidul Islam Ankan shared 60-run for the second
wicket to steady the innings.

While they stabilized the innings, they also put the side in danger by
playing 59 balls for this partnership. Pakistan recruit Rizwan played 21
balls for his 17, an innings that indeed made sure that Comilla would feel
the pressure of asking run rate.

Ankan however played 55 ball-63 with four fours and three sixes but he too
failed to go after the bowlers when it mattered most.

Towhid Hridoy later tried to cover up with 28 ball-39 but that was too late
as Comilla needed 29 runs from the last over. Hriody was run out in the first
ball of the last over and then bowler Shakib Al Hasan had Pakistan recruit
Amer Jamal caught by Babar in the second ball to effectively ruin Comilla’s
hopes.

Jaker Ali Anik blasted Shakib for 18 runs from of the rest of the four balls,
which didn’t help Comilla’s cause. (BSS)