Mohammad Nawaz and Andre Russell fire Rajshahi Royals to BPL title
They put on 71 runs off just 34 balls before making crucial interventions with the ball during Khulna Tigers' chase
They put on 71 runs off just 34 balls before making crucial interventions with the ball during Khulna Tigers' chase
Scorer: @Diamond_Khaan | Commentator: @saurabh_42
11.15 pm: Well that's that. We have come to the end of the BPL. A bit surprising to see Russell get the Man of the Match and Man of the Tournament, but you can't say he didn't deserve it. Contributed with bat, ball and leadership. On that note, this is Saurabh Somani, signing off.
And Andre Russell of course, is also the winning skipper. "I just want to thank this bunch of guys. We stuck together through our good times and bad times. Tonight we really got a challenge in the first ten overs. But in T20 cricket, the game is not away till the last ball is bowled. Everyone chipped in with runs tonight. I'm a confident captain. It was a bit rocky at the start of the tournament, getting to understand the guys. Not everyone speaks English where I can have a one on one chat with them, but these guys are real professionals. I've played with them and against them in the BPL. (Tigers) gave us a very good challenge. They beat us twice and we beat them twice. As I said before, once we get to 170-180 - runs on the board in the final will bring pressure. I just want to give everyone the credit. Even the guys who didn't play. And a big thanks to our fans."
Andre Russell is also the Man of the Tournament.
Andre Russell is the Man of the Match.
Mushfiqur Rahim: I'd like to say a very big thank you to all my teammates, and also to the coaching staff. They put in a lot over the tournament. I thought we have given 15 runs more than we should have, but the last four overs cost us a lot of runs and a few dropped catches. That cost us the game. There are 7 local players in the XI so they need to put up their hand and they did. We just weren't good enough in the final. If I get the chance to play again in the final, I want to give a good performance. I thought this BPL was excellent because all the local players performed well, and the overseas ones too. We have some good memories of this BPL.
11.08 pm: We're finally ready for the presentations.
Rizwan Zafar: "Russell Irfan and Malik all contributed but I think Nawaz played a decisive role in this match both with the bat and ball. He is my MOM." - think most people would agree with that.
11.00 pm: We'll have the presentations for you shortly.
Liton Das: Absolutely brilliant effort from all the guys. We're very happy with this feeling. I'm enjoying batting with Afif. We thought we will hit out after the first few overs and settle in.
10.50 pm: Fine all-round performance by Rajashahi, reflected in the 21-run margin at the end. Khulna Tigers were in with a shout for 75% of the chase, but crumbled at the death. Rajshahi Royals have lifted their first ever BPL trophy, and Andre Russell is a proud man, as he should be. Smiles and hugs all around in the Rajshahi camp. They're enjoying their moment. They put on their best for the final stages. Mushfiqur Rahim, the losing skipper, also congratulates the players from the edge of the boundary.
Shohidul Islam b Russell 0 (6b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
More than one local youngster made a mark, while the regular T20 stars did their reputations no harm
The Rajshahi captain credits the Pakistan allrounder for taking the pressure off him and helping the side to the BPL title
They put on 71 runs off just 34 balls before making crucial interventions with the ball during Khulna Tigers' chase