DHAKA, Bangladesh, CMC – Nicholas Pooran starred but was unable to prevent his Sylhet Sixers from a four-wicket defeat to Comilla Victorians in the Bangladesh Premier League here Sunday.
Playing at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, the West Indies left-hander top-scored with 41 as Sixers rallied to 127 for eight off their 20 overs, after being sent in. Sixers were slumping quickly at 56 for five in the 12th over before Pooran counter-attacked, smashing five fours and two sixes in a 26-ball cameo.
Crucially, he inspired a 55-run, sixth wicket stand with former Bangladesh Test all-rounder, Alok Kapali (19) which hauled the total pass the 100-run mark.
In reply, Pooran’s Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies teammate Evin Lewis failed with five but Victorians recovered to overhaul their target with a ball to spare.
They were 21 for two in the fourth over but opener Tamim Iqbal stroked a patient 34-ball 35 in a 30-run, third wicket stand with disgraced former Australia Test captain Steve Smith (16), to revive the innings.
When the innings slipped to 97 for six in the 17th over, veteran Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi blasted an unbeaten 39 from 25 deliveries late on to get Victorians over the line. On Saturday’s opening day, the Windies pair of Sunil Narine (38) and Andre Russell (21 not out) made small contributions but international teammate Kieron Pollard failed as star-studded Dhaka Dynamites thrashed Rajshahi Kings by 83 runs.
