DHAKA, Bangladesh, CMC ? Kieron Pollard?s frenetic, unbeaten 35 lifted Dhaka Gladiators to a five-wicket win over Barisal Burners yesterday and put them in line for a semi-final spot in the Bangladesh Premier League.
The right-handed power-hitter slammed four sixes and a four off just 17 balls as Gladiators, chasing 157 for victory at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, reached their target with 10 balls to spare. There was concern in the Gladiator?s camp when three wickets fell for 12 runs in the space of 11 balls, as they slumped from a comfortable 103 for two to 112 for five in the 15th over.
However, Pollard settled the issue, dominating an unbroken sixth wicket stand of 48 of 25 balls with Anamul Haque who finished 11 not out. Opener Ahmed Shezad had top scored with 51 and Englishman Phil Mustard got 33, after the Burners were sent in. Gladiators are now tied on 10 points along with three other teams in a tight race for the final four.
In the other game played, second place Chittagong Kings slumped to a 35-run loss to the Sylhet Royals with both Dwayne Bravo and Kevon Cooper failing to make an impact.
Bravo got a one-ball ?duck? and Cooper finished two not out as the Kings, chasing 166, were held to 130 for eight off their 20 overs. Earlier, Bravo had taken one for 27 from his four overs while Cooper snared one for 30 from his full complement.