Marauding Mahedi makes chance count

Shak Mahedi Hasan is known more for his effective off-spin but on Monday, he made sure that his big-hitting prowess also came to the fore as he played a brilliant knock to guide his team to their fifth win in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League.

The all-rounder scored 72 off 43 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes and ended up with a strike rate of 167.44.

The innings ensured that his team Rangpur Riders did not face any trouble chasing down 145.

Mahedi’s innings was a match-winning one. Yet, the player was a bit frustrated as he could not finish the match himself.

“It was nice to get to fifty but I should have been there to finish the game. I got good support from my senior players. I am enjoying both batting and bowling in this tournament. The plan was to bowl dot balls and you would get the wickets because of the pressure,” he said after the match.

Despite getting opportunities with the bat in this BPL, Mahedi could not capitalise on them as he only scored more than 30 once in the tournament so far in the previous seven innings.

However, he managed to make use of the opportunity as he was sent in early at number three after opener Mohammad Naim went back for a duck.

From there, he both kept the Rangpur innings together and also ensured they never fell behind on the asking rate, scoring at a rapid pace.

He picked up his fifty off just 31 balls, and in the next 12 balls, he scored 22 more. The innings was both quick and well-constructed, aiding his team on their way to the playoffs.