Sammy's Rajshahi punch above their weight
Rajshahi Kings had a topsy-turvy tournament, and they lost a final they so easily could have won
Mohammad Isam
10-Dec-2016
Rajshahi Kings revelled in their 'selfie' celebration • Daily Star
Tournament overview
Darren Sammy ended the press conference after the final saying that the young Bangladeshi players in Rajshahi Kings had learned aplenty from the senior local and overseas players. But the season was more than just a learning experience for this first-time franchise. They made the final in an inspired campaign after being bottom of the league at one stage.
Darren Sammy ended the press conference after the final saying that the young Bangladeshi players in Rajshahi Kings had learned aplenty from the senior local and overseas players. But the season was more than just a learning experience for this first-time franchise. They made the final in an inspired campaign after being bottom of the league at one stage.
Sammy rallied the side like he often does for West Indies, inspiring young and old with the right mixture of poise and fun. The mock-selfie celebrations aside, Sammy was in a serious mood whenever there was a strategic break, giving out instructions.
What would please Rajshahi most was how the senior players gave the team big performances, while youngsters like Mehedi Hasan and Afif Hossain played their part. Farhad Reza deserves a mention. A decade into his career, Farhad has fulfilled his promise with contributions in difficult situations.
Rajshahi would be proud of giving their best in a tough campaign, but they would also rue the loss in the final, when the match was in their grip for a considerable period.
High point
At 43 for 7 against Rangpur Riders, Rajshahi may have thought their debut season wasn't all that it was supposed to be. But Reza and Mehedi dug deep during an unbroken 85-run stand for the eighth wicket that got them to 128. Their bowlers then bowled out Rangpur for 79.
At 43 for 7 against Rangpur Riders, Rajshahi may have thought their debut season wasn't all that it was supposed to be. But Reza and Mehedi dug deep during an unbroken 85-run stand for the eighth wicket that got them to 128. Their bowlers then bowled out Rangpur for 79.
Low point
Rajshahi had to win four games in a row to stay on course for the playoffs but lost their way when they were beaten by Comilla Victorians and Barisal Bulls. The second of those defeats nearly cost them a last-four finish. They couldn't chase 162, with Samit Patel the only batsman remaining in the fight with 62.
Rajshahi had to win four games in a row to stay on course for the playoffs but lost their way when they were beaten by Comilla Victorians and Barisal Bulls. The second of those defeats nearly cost them a last-four finish. They couldn't chase 162, with Samit Patel the only batsman remaining in the fight with 62.
Top of the class
Samit Patel was Rajshahi's best all-round performer, with 288 runs and 11 wickets. He was deadly against Dhaka in the league phase, and was Player of the Match on both occasions.
Samit Patel was Rajshahi's best all-round performer, with 288 runs and 11 wickets. He was deadly against Dhaka in the league phase, and was Player of the Match on both occasions.
Under-par performer
Umar Akmal made only 106 runs in nine innings, often exasperating with his shot selection and at times unlucky with the umpiring. But he should have made more runs, which would have given Rajshahi stability in the middle order.
Umar Akmal made only 106 runs in nine innings, often exasperating with his shot selection and at times unlucky with the umpiring. But he should have made more runs, which would have given Rajshahi stability in the middle order.
Tip for 2017
Rajshahi would need a stronger top and middle order next season, especially a batsman who offers stability like Mahmudullah or Mohammad Mithun. Their bowling attack, leadership and management seem to be in place.
Rajshahi would need a stronger top and middle order next season, especially a batsman who offers stability like Mahmudullah or Mohammad Mithun. Their bowling attack, leadership and management seem to be in place.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo's Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84