Bangladesh Premier League / News
|
Bangladesh Premier League 2012
Pollard and Afridi give Dhaka star appeal
Mohammad Isam
February 9, 2012
|
|||
|
Related Links
Series/Tournaments:
Bangladesh Premier League
Teams:
Bangladesh
| Dhaka Gladiators
|
|||
Big Picture
A batting line-up that boasts Kieron Pollard, Imran Nazir, Mohammad Ashraful and Aftab Ahmed and has the likelihood of adding Shahid Afridi in the tournament's latter stages promises plenty of big hits and a genuine flutter in the hearts of a bowling attack, let alone a single bowler.Ashraful and Aftab are perhaps the cleanest hitters of cricket balls in the country while the lively Nazir can bring down the house with his strokes; there's hardly anything left to say for Pollard and Afridi.
But fans of the country's largest division must be realists too. Ashraful hasn't been among runs for years while Aftab hasn't been the force since returning from the rebel Indian Cricket League. Nazir's international career is also stalled, which means that Nazimuddin, Darren Stevens and Alexei Kervezee will have to bear the responsibilities when the big-hitters fall early.
The bowling attack looks like a strong unit with Naved-Ul-Hasan leading the way. The injury-prone Mashrafe Mortaza is now good enough for a four-over spell and could surprise a batsman or two with his odd burst of pace while the spinners Stuart MacGill, Elias Sunny and Mosharraf Hossain are more than capable of keeping things quiet.
Dhaka Gladiators will also be smart behind the stumps with Dhiman Ghosh expected to pip Anamul Haque in the wicketkeeping position though the latter is a talented top-order batsman.
Star Attraction
For Dhaka to have Shahid Afridi play for them, the rest of the players have to get the franchise into the last four which is quite possible. Afridi's presence, despite all the conflicting reports, could take the franchise and the tournament itself to a different level. The Pakistan all-rounder's popularity is tremendous in these parts and if he plays in a semi-final or a final, it could be the biggest boost for the BPL.
Top player
But before Afridi though, it has to be Kieron Pollard who would be have to do all the running for Dhaka. A robust all-rounder with the ability to turn a Twenty20 game on its head, Pollard has had some success in Bangladesh in the past. His change of pace would come in hand on the low and slow wickets of Chittagong but it would ultimately be his big-hitting ability that would make all the difference.
Under the radar
Aftab Ahmed has T20 skills all over his batting. He has all the shots in the book and some more. But he has been out of the national squad for two years and past his best days for a longer time. Some late form in the domestic one-day competition could bring the best out of Aftab once more.Mohammad Isam is senior sports reporter at the Daily Star in Dhaka
Feeds: Mohammad Isam
© ESPN EMEA Ltd.
| Comments have now been closed for this article |
||||||
TopE-mail
Feedback
Print
Mohammad Isam
Tournament Results
Sponsored Links
Watch Bollywood movies for free
Citibank NRI Account, Fast Reliable & Secure Way to
Transfer Money. Apply Online Now!
Access your Indian Rupee earnings from anywhere in the world.
ICICI Bank Money2India brings " locked exchange rate" and a free gift
on registering and transfer of USD 250 and above.
BUY England 2012 official Test & ODI kit
Available now at Cricshop
There should be a quick link for BPL in cricinfo homepage. And I am sure millions will appreciate that.
Posted byI think Duranto Rajshahi will win the game
Posted bywhich tv channel is broadcasting BPL?
Posted byI think with opening batsman dangerous Imran nazir and county specialist azhar mehmood gladiators are the dangerous side.pollard as everyone know his power hitting. amazing inswing yorker of Rana naveed will make it difference also he was best batsman in ICL best alrounder.
Posted byme god blessed your team................afridi.............? this will be the best team..................?
Posted by Mayan_Mahbub on (February 10 2012, 11:49 AM GMT)I can't wait to see Gladiators winning....But Barisal Burners are doing very well with the help of Gayle...It will be an exciting season to enjoy.....
Posted bydhakkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkka gladiatrssssssssssssssssssssssssssss fvrt.
Posted by alonetiger on (February 10 2012, 06:04 AM GMT)As a cricketer i wana give this statement that the only player who is made for T20 formate is IMRAN NAZIR....he can do any thing on any ball and this talent is natural and Godgifted yeah i will not deny Afridi and pollard and Razzaq but imran nazir is the only guy who has been made for T20 cricket.and look at the idiot selectors of Pakistan Cricket who is not taking advantage of him and the other nations are aware of this fact and this extraordinory talent..BPL will bring out more facts abt this,,thanx
Posted by shazran1984 on (February 10 2012, 05:49 AM GMT)can anyone give me the members of all teams for the tournament ...
Posted byWhy there is no quick link for BPL in cricinfo homepage?? I request to Cricinfo, please put a quick link of BPL as like Big Bash and IPL. We believe cricinfo is a neutral cricket website.