Comilla Victorians Pakistan recruit Aamer Jamal registered his career-best 5-23 to lead the side to an emphatic 34-run win over Khulna Tigers in their sixth match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) today at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
This was Khulna's second straight defeat, having won the first four matches convincingly. While this defeat forced them move down to fourth spot, defending champions Comilla climbed to third place. Both of the teams had eight points in six matches but Comilla were ahead based on net run rate.
Captain Liton Das hit back to form finally, hammering a 30 ball-45, laced with two fours and four sixes but still Comilla were restricted to moderate 149-7.
Thanks to Jamal, who was complemented by the other bowlers disciplined work, Comilla, bundled Khulna out for 115 in 18.5 overs.
Liton gave the side a dazzling start after electing to bat first but his fellow opener Mohammad Rizwan was not at his best. In fact his slow knock put pressure on Liton who finally was dismissed by Nasum Ahmed, trying to hit big. Just three balls later, Nasum trapped Rizwan leg-before for 21 off 28 to peg back Comilla.
Comilla then lost wicket at regular intervals with no one could give the side a solidity when it mattered most. Will Jacks, playing his first matches in BPL in this season, made 22 while Jaker Ali was unbeaten on 18.
Khulna's spinners Nasum and Faheem Ashraf took two wickets apiece.
Comilla spinners also spun the ball nicely to rip through Khulna's top order in no time with Tanvir Islam and Aliss Al Islam to the fore. Al Islam gave the side a breakthrough, dismissing Khulna captain Anamul Haque Bijoy for 19 while Tanvir got the better of Parvez Hossain Emon for duck amongst the top order batters.
But it was pacer Aamer Jamal who stole the show amid spinners' domination. Jamal gave the side crucial breakthrough, removing dangerman Evin Lewis for 10. While the spinners played their part, Jamal continued to wreck havoc and completed his five-wicket haul by sending back Nasum for naught.
No.9 batter Mohammad Wasim was the top-scorer for Khulan with 23 while Nahidul Islam made 21.