Mushfiqur rues Samuels’ last over blitz – Cricket News Update
Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim rued Marlon Samuels’ blitz in the final over of the West Indies innings, which saw the swashbuckling Jamaican looting seamer Rubel Hossain for 29 runs – plundering four sixes and a four – to take the tourists’ total to 197 for 4.
After Darren Sammy opted to bat first, aiming to put a hefty total on the board, Samuels played an impressive unbeaten knock of 85 runs, studded with nine sixes and three fours, to help his side post a staggering total. Darren Bravo well supported Samuels with a whirlwind 41 off 28 balls, looting five fours and two sixes during his almost half an hour stay at the crease.
In reply, the hosts fell short of 18 runs in the end, managing 179 for one in their allotted quota of 20 overs, with Tamim Iqbal playing a belligerent knock of 88 not out and Mahmudullah returning unbeaten on 48-ball 64.
“The last over probably mattered but cannot blame Rubel because when Samuels hits he can do that to anyone,” said Mushfiqur at the post-match presentation ceremony after his side’s 18-run defeat in the one-off T20 International against the reigning world champs.
The home skipper also lavished praise on openers - debutant Anamul Haque and Tamim Iqbal - for providing the side with a solid start.
“Young Anamul and Tamim played well and in the middle Mahmudullah played well too. Nice to see people scoring runs, especially in the top-order, hope they continue in the same vein,” concluded the wicketkeeper batsman.
Samuels, who was adjudged as the Man of the Match for his dazzling show with the bat, said, “I was hoping to stick around, tried to get the pace of the pitch and then go after the bowling later.”
“We have come here as champions and had a lot to lose. I dedicate this to the Prime Minister of Jamaica again. I try to get in by batting through the first few balls,” stated the right-hander.
The 31-year-old Jamaican star will next go Down Under to play for the Melbourne Renegades in the ongoing season two of the Big Bash League, Australia’s premier Twenty20 tournament.