Rafique fireworks light up T20 Premier League (Cricinfo)

Murad · #1 October 22, 2009, 10:40 AM

Rafique fireworks light up T20 Premier League
Kanishkaa Balachandran

October 22, 2009

Twelve of Dhaka's best clubs took part in the glitzy Big Boss T20 Premier League, a week-long tournament in October, with Abahani Limited taking the title with a five-wicket win over Gazi Tank under lights at the Shere Bangla Stadium in Mirpur. The star of the final was one of Bangladesh cricket's most dedicated servants, Mohammad Rafique, whose power hitting in the tense, final stages helped Abahani clinch the bragging rights and the Tk 200,000 (US$2890) winners' cheque.

Wednesday's final seemed to slipping away from Abahani when they needed 42 off 18 balls, chasing 145. But Rafique smashed three consecutive sixes in the 18th over bowled by left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak, and in the following over took on the opposition captain Alok Kapali for two more sixes to bring the equation down to four off the last over. Another six sealed the game as he rounded off a fine all-round show with figures of 2 for 23 earlier in the evening.

The final was well attended, with a live performance by pop singer Mila to add to the glamour. Satellite channel Desh TV televised seven matches live, including the semi-finals and the final. The games in Mirpur had cheer girls, a DJ, SMS quiz competition and fireworks to keep the fans engaged.

The tournament began on October 14 and featured 34 games across three venues, including seven day-night games. Group A featured Mohammadan SC, Bangladesh Biman, Khelaghar Samaj Kalyan Samity, Partex Sporting Club, BKSP and Victoria Sporting. Group B had Gazi Tank Cricketers, Old DOHS Club, Kalabagan Krira Chakra, Abahani Limited, Surjo Turon Club and Cricket Coaching School. There was a bit of controversy with the scheduling after Mohammedan were not allotted a single day-nighter in the initial fixture. After raising the issue, they managed to secure one day-night game.

While opener Tamim Iqbal lit up the opening day with 60 for Mohammadan against Victoria, Khelagar emerged the surprise package for the semi-finals, where they faced Gazi Tank. However, there was a three-way tie for a single semi-final spot from Group B. Abahani, Surjo Torun and Kalabagan were tied at four points each before the final round of matches. Abahani comprehensively beat Cricket Coaching School by seven wickets, while Kalabagan beat Surjo Tarun. A better head-to-head record with Kalabagan clinched the spot for Abahani.

Imrul Kayes' 46 helped Abahani chase down 165 in the semi-final against Mohammadan. The other deciding clash was a rather one-sided affair, with Khelagar managing only 95. Gazi's Mithun Ali smashed an unbeaten 69 to steer his team home comfortably. Gazi were well-placed in the final to take the title, before Rafique crashed their party.

http://www.cricinfo.com/bangladesh/c...ry/430751.html

Good to see an article on our domestic tournament there. And very happy too see our only legend's name on the front page of Cricinfo.

Tigers_eye · #2 October 22, 2009, 11:14 AM

All smiles!! Abahani "the champs" as usual.

That is without even their Capitano playing.

One World · #3 October 22, 2009, 11:25 AM

Valo likhse.

FagunerAgun · #4 October 22, 2009, 11:33 AM

Go Abahoni Go.
Amora achhi tumar sathe.

Fazal · #5 October 22, 2009, 11:36 AM

Soobeee Bhaloo liksey...
Kintu Rakiq re Chakor Bollo?

Jodi Rafiq Janee, Bat neyee dourani debey...I hope Balachandran knows how to ran fast.

bd-omi · #6 October 22, 2009, 11:36 AM

Though I'm a MSC fan but in broader context I hope Apamoni gets to play Champion's League next season....

revolver · #7 October 22, 2009, 11:55 AM

that was great

Nocturnal · #8 October 22, 2009, 11:56 AM

Thank you murad for sharing!

bangla-red · #9 October 22, 2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bd-omi
Though I'm a MSC fan but in broader context I hope Apamoni gets to play Champion's League next season....

They won't, as our T20 league isn't recognised by the ICC.

t697318 · #10 October 22, 2009, 12:34 PM

RAFIQUE!!!!!! like ppl said at Bound for glory to sting, i'll say this
ONE MORE YEAR! ONE MORE YEAR! ONE MORE YEAR! to rafique
atleast in ODI's till end of 2011 world cup

Yameen · #11 October 22, 2009, 12:43 PM

I love you Rafique! Go Abahani!

Ajfar · #12 October 22, 2009, 12:44 PM

shob kisu thik ase. kintu did they had to convert the TK200,000 to US dollar. that to me seems like they are just rubbing it in.

simon · #13 October 22, 2009, 12:55 PM

Rafique , u r a genius.
why don't you come back.

_Rafi_ · #14 October 22, 2009, 01:07 PM

BalaChand mia nischoy annyo ku bd newspaper theke copy marche. Mila k tho oi indian reporter er chinar kotha na. Aro onek khutinati news o likheche ja unar janar kotha na!

Posted via BC Mobile Edition

Shafin · #15 October 22, 2009, 02:10 PM

Great Innings by Rafique, kudos to him.
In an interview rafque said, when he and jayasuria used to play together, they would often compit on strike rate and most of the times, rafique won. Its a pity such a gritty cricketer had to spend his career with a team like us. In a dominant team, he would have sealed his place as one of the games great allrounders.

cricket_pagol · #16 October 22, 2009, 02:11 PM

Rafique rocks big time!!! He is one of the true hero in Bangladesh cricket!

nycpro96 · #17 October 22, 2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cricket_pagol
Rafique rocks big time!!! He is one of the true hero in Bangladesh cricket!

pichchi · #18 October 22, 2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangla-red
They won't, as our T20 league isn't recognised by the ICC.

Does anyone know WHY the BCB never makes an attempt to make Dhaka League (ODI and T20) official and recognized by ICC?? If the DPL matches are made official, then we can get rid of NCL one-day and extend the NCL 4-day championship. In Sri-lanka, Clubs play 4-day matches and Provinces play limited-over matches. We already have that structure- why not make it official??

So the domestic season can be like-

Dhaka Premier League T20 (12 Clubs)
- 2 groups of 6 (Each club guaranteed 5 games)
- Top 2 in each group goes to Semi-final, followed by 3rd-place playoff and Final
Dhaka Premier League One-day Championship (12 Clubs)
- All the clubs face off against each other once (Each club guaranteed 11 games)
- Top 6 goes into Super League (Each club plays 5 more games)
- Bottom 3 face Relegation League- 2 relegated to 1st Division
- Club with highest points after 16 games is crowned One-day Champions
National Cricket League First Class Championship (6 Divisional Teams)
- All the Teams face-off against each other on Home-Away basis
- Each team guaranteed 10 First-class matches
- Top 2 teams face off in 5-day Championship Final
NCL T20 (6 Divisional Teams)
- All the Teams face-off against each other once
- 5th-6th teams play 5th place playoff
- Top 4 plays in Semis (1 vs 4; 2 vs 3)
- Final, Third place playoff
- Winner qualifies for Champions League T20

fais · #19 October 22, 2009, 04:04 PM

guys do visit CI website to read the article otherwise if the traffic does not increase they see no reason to cover BD cricket

*AsifTheManRahman* · #20 October 22, 2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangla-red
They won't, as our T20 league isn't recognised by the ICC.

Right. If anyone makes it to the Champions League, it'll have to be the winner of the NCL T20 tournament.

Antora · #21 October 23, 2009, 02:40 AM

Rafiq is the biggest boss BD cricket has seen thus far

M.H.Rubel · #22 October 23, 2009, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pichchi
Does anyone know WHY the BCB never makes an attempt to make Dhaka League (ODI and T20) official and recognized by ICC?? If the DPL matches are made official, then we can get rid of NCL one-day and extend the NCL 4-day championship. In Sri-lanka, Clubs play 4-day matches and Provinces play limited-over matches. We already have that structure- why not make it official??

So the domestic season can be like-

Dhaka Premier League T20 (12 Clubs)
- 2 groups of 6 (Each club guaranteed 5 games)
- Top 2 in each group goes to Semi-final, followed by 3rd-place playoff and Final
Dhaka Premier League One-day Championship (12 Clubs)
- All the clubs face off against each other once (Each club guaranteed 11 games)
- Top 6 goes into Super League (Each club plays 5 more games)
- Bottom 3 face Relegation League- 2 relegated to 1st Division
- Club with highest points after 16 games is crowned One-day Champions
National Cricket League First Class Championship (6 Divisional Teams)
- All the Teams face-off against each other on Home-Away basis
- Each team guaranteed 10 First-class matches
- Top 2 teams face off in 5-day Championship Final
NCL T20 (6 Divisional Teams)
- All the Teams face-off against each other once
- 5th-6th teams play 5th place playoff
- Top 4 plays in Semis (1 vs 4; 2 vs 3)
- Final, Third place playoff
- Winner qualifies for Champions League T20

Yes our DPL 20/20 and ODI league is very strong,definately we can stop NCL limited over matches and can start new NCL FC league with lots of matches including a U-19 longer version match tournament.I can not understand why they dont try to do so? I think it will not be a tough job.Any one with any openion?

Posted via BC Mobile Edition

Purbasha T · #23 October 23, 2009, 06:03 AM

There was one time, when Rafique Da was the only man who I used to wait for to get some fours and sixes, and hence some entertainment, from. It's pre-Ashraful/Aftab era that I'm talking about.

Rabz · #24 October 23, 2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fais
guys do visit CI website to read the article otherwise if the traffic does not increase they see no reason to cover BD cricket

Dont worry Fais. A surge in traffic wont help your cause.
More importantly, we do not need to suck it up to them to publish our news.

This is exactly the kind of eye wash they want.
Do not bother to cover the series and when its over, just write an article with few glossy paragraph. That would keep us fans happy and would give 'em the "break" they need to cover BD cricket.

Eh, who cares.