Misfiring bowling attack costs Barisal Bulls
Despite the acquisition of the experienced Dav Whatmore as coach, the 2015 runners-up threw away a good start to lose six consecutive games, and never recovered thereafter
Mohammad Isam
04-Dec-2016
Mushfiqur Rahim had a good tournament personally, but his performances could not salvage Barisal's season • BCB
Tournament overview
Barisal Bulls finished at the bottom of the table, mostly due to their own shortcomings, with batsmen not finding form and dropped catches which in turn affected the bowling.
Barisal Bulls finished at the bottom of the table, mostly due to their own shortcomings, with batsmen not finding form and dropped catches which in turn affected the bowling.
Barisal's performance must have particularly irked the franchise owners given they were runners-up in 2015. The period between the two tournaments was marred by a life-ban imposed on one of their owners, but it didn't seem to affect them too much during the players' draft.
Given his experience in Bangladesh, Barisal's acquisition of Dav Whatmore, who replaced Graham Ford as head coach, seemed like the perfect fit. In fact, Barisal started well under Whatmore, winning three of their first four games. But they imploded thereafter to lose their next six games consecutively, ending hopes of qualifying for the knockouts.
Mushfiqur Rahim and Shahriar Nafees were their best batsmen, and Dawid Malan sporadically hit form, but their bowling was quite poor. Taijul Islam was their highest wicket-taker, but his 10 wickets didn't figure among the top ten in the tournament.
High point
Barisal's best moment in the tournament came on November 14 when they picked up their third successive win, crushing Chittagong Kings by seven wickets, with Dawid Malan and Shahriar Nafees hitting half-centuries in a chase of 164.
Barisal's best moment in the tournament came on November 14 when they picked up their third successive win, crushing Chittagong Kings by seven wickets, with Dawid Malan and Shahriar Nafees hitting half-centuries in a chase of 164.
Low point
Fifteen days later, against Comilla, Barisal hit the nadir, losing for the sixth time in as many matches. Barisal looked out of sorts in every department as Comilla chased down their 142 with ease. It was saying a lot, given Comilla were languishing at the bottom at the time.
Fifteen days later, against Comilla, Barisal hit the nadir, losing for the sixth time in as many matches. Barisal looked out of sorts in every department as Comilla chased down their 142 with ease. It was saying a lot, given Comilla were languishing at the bottom at the time.
Top of the class
Mushfiqur Rahim finished yet another successful BPL campaign with 341 runs in 12 matches, at a strike-rate of 134.78. Mushfiqur would also be reasonably happy with his wicketkeeping, but his captaincy record was severely hit by the eight losses.
Mushfiqur Rahim finished yet another successful BPL campaign with 341 runs in 12 matches, at a strike-rate of 134.78. Mushfiqur would also be reasonably happy with his wicketkeeping, but his captaincy record was severely hit by the eight losses.
Under-par performer
Al-Amin Hossain was one of the top bowlers in the 2015 season, and was one of two players retained by Barisal. However, he only played five games this year and conceded 9.27 an over. BCB also fined him heavily for a serious disciplinary breach, and some introspection may be due.
Al-Amin Hossain was one of the top bowlers in the 2015 season, and was one of two players retained by Barisal. However, he only played five games this year and conceded 9.27 an over. BCB also fined him heavily for a serious disciplinary breach, and some introspection may be due.
Tip for 2017
Whatmore should continue as coach, unless he takes up a role with an international team, but Barisal will need to rethink most parts of their playing roster.
Whatmore should continue as coach, unless he takes up a role with an international team, but Barisal will need to rethink most parts of their playing roster.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo's Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84