COV VS RAN MATCH 40

Right then, that's all from this entertaining game where the Comilla Victorians came out on top and the defending champions have guaranteed themselves a top-two finish. The top two spots are locked up but there is still a playoff spot up for grabs with Fortune Barishal and Khulna Tigers in contention. We will have a break now before the action resumes in the Bangladesh Premier League on the last day of the league stage. First up on Friday, 23rd of February, Comilla Victorians will take on the Fortune Barishal at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT). Then, the Khulna Tigers will clash with the Sylhet Strikers at 6.30 pm IST (1 pm GMT). As always, you can join us in advance for the build-up. Cheers!

The skipper of Comilla Victorians, Litton Das says that he is happy to get the win and secure a top-two finish. Mentions that we will look to carry forward this momentum into the last league game and then into the playoffs. Feels that they gave away too many runs at the death and that is one aspect they would want to improve going ahead.

Andre Russell is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his complete all-round performance.  He says this game was important to win after a defeat the previous day. Adds it was a convincing team effort. When he bowled his first over, he felt good and is happy to pick crucial wickets for his team. He says he is known for his all-round performances over the years and he kept believing in his abilities in the game. Says that he feels he did his job in the end with the bat. Ends up by saying that they will put up a much stronger performance in the next game.

The captain of Rangpur Riders, Nurul Hasan says that it was an ordinary performance overall. Applauds James Neesham and says that he provided them some runs to defend and he played exceptionally well. Says that they kept losing wickets in quick succession while batting, with some unnecessary shots as well. Says they have won 8 games on the trot and adds that they will come back strong in their last remaining game.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, after being inserted into bat, the Rangpur Riders found themselves in early trouble, losing four wickets inside the Powerplay. The experienced pair of Shakib Al Hasan and James Neesham then got together and began the rescue act. However, Shakib fell while trying to counter-attack his way out of trouble. Tom Moores and Shamim Hossain could not hang around, leaving Neesham searching for partners. The all-rounder used his smarts and mixed caution with aggression while batting with the tail. Thanks to Neesham's fighting 69-run knock, the Riders got to 150, who were reeling at 93-7 at one stage. For the Comilla Victorians, Andre Russell and Musfik Hasan combined well and took 3 wickets each.

On the other hand, the Rangpur Riders have ended the league stage with a defeat but they will not be too disappointed, having already secured a top-two finish. With his rescue act, James Neesham had given them a total to defend and the onus was on their bowlers to start well. It did not go according to the plan for them as the openers of Comilla Victorians did not allow them to settle. Shakib Al Hasan went bang, bang in a single over to help the Riders claw their way back into the game. Despite those twin strikes, the Riders could not keep the runs in check and allowed the opposition batters to have it their way. Imran Tahir was wicketless but did well to contain the runs but wickets were the key for them to build the pressure. The Riders had a glimmer of hope when Shakib and Abu Hider struck in quick succession. But Andre Russell with his clean ball-striking took them to the cleaners and closed all doors of a comeback.

Andre Russell has powered the Comilla Victorians to an emphatic victory here! With this win, the defending champions have sealed a top-two finish for themselves. While chasing the target of 151 runs, Litton Das and Sunil Narine made their intentions clear straightaway and got them off to a flier. Just as they were going along nicely, Narine and Towhid Hridoy fell in the space of three balls which put the Victorians on the back foot. Das carried on his merry way while Mahidul Islam Ankon played the aggressor role at the other end. Das got out on 43 and Mahidul followed him into the hut soon after. Andre Russel and Moeen Ali then joined hands to ensure there were no more hiccups in the run chase. Moeen was a mere spectator at the other end as Russell took the bowlers apart, scoring 43 runs off just 12 balls.

SIX! And away she goes! ANDRE RUSSELL, YOU BEAUTY! Comilla Victorians boss up this game with 6 wickets and 16 balls remaining, and it's that man from the Caribbean who came in when his team was in the spot of bother and now finishes off in style. On a fuller length around the fourth stump line, Andre Russell makes room before clearing the long off boundary and deposits it into the stands. He stands still as he watches the ball sail over the fence, and blinks at the bowler in the end. That's some ferocious hitting by the big man! 43 off just 12 rocks thrown at him and he does the job for Comilla Victorians.

WIDE! Woah! A vicious bouncer over the head, Andre Russell lets it go. The umpire signals a Wide.

Full and sliding on the pads, Moeen Ali clips it to the right of short fine leg for a single.

Short and turning away, on off, cut straight to backward point..

Around the wicket comes Mahedi and bowls on a good length outside off, Moeen punches it to the off side.

FOUR! Thundering fours and sixes here at Chattogram as Andre Russell is in the house! On a length around the middle and leg, Andre Russell clubs it with precision toward cow corner for a boundary. Just 8 runs needed off the last three overs.

SIX! This is really poor bowling from Hasan Mahmud and Andre Russell is taking him to the cleaners. Serves another full toss to Dre Russ and he picks it over long on for a monstrous six.

FOUR! Flat and strong! Horrible full toss outside off, Andre Russell clears his front leg and whacks it towards long off for a boundary.

SIX! Andre Russell is on song tonight! Bumper aiming at the helmet, Andre Russell hooks across and dismisses it over the deep square leg for a biggie.