Unbeaten Gazi Group Chattogram look determined to keep their winning streak intact as they prepare to take on spirited Beximco Dhaka in the ongoing Bangabandhu T20 Cup today.
Chattogram won all their four matches while Dhaka eventually look to get into the groove after earning two back to back wins after three successive defeats.The practice session of the Chattogram squad at the academy premises on Saturday only suggests that they are not willing to give an inch to their counterpart knowing that losing the momentum just might break the rhythm they are carrying at the moment in the tournament.
While on other days some of the leading Chattogram performers were seen missing during the practice session that was followed after their games but it was completely a different scenario altogether as all the cricketers were available.
Coach Mohammad Salahuddin had a small briefing before the start of their session and going through the body language they were carrying afterward only implied they are going to play with a killer mindset despite they earned a nine-wicket win over Dhaka in their previous encounter.
Liton Kumar Das, who is having a purple patch with the bat, was busy honing his skill for clearing the ropes after his net session while Mustafizur Rahman despite being the best bowler for his side also tried to make sure that he is fully prepared ahead of the big game.
Chattogram picked pace bowler Ruyel Miah as replacement of Mominul Haque and he was welcomed by his teammates in the practice session considering he joined the squad for the first time.
Chattogram’s pace bowler Shoirful Islam, who also played his part well in the competition so far, said that he is enjoying bowling under the guidance of Mustafizur Rahman.
“Bowling with Mustafizur is a great learning experience for me as he guides me when I am bowling,” Shoriful told reporters Saturday.
On the other hand, Dhaka feel that they have got the required momentum in the competition after earning their second successive win.
Dhaka’s inform burly Yasir Ali, who had contributed behind both their win, feels that they just need to keep on moving forward leaving behind their earlier disappointment.
“In the first few games we failed to find the rhythm but in the last two games we have won and surely it will enhance our confidence going forward to the competition,” said Yasir.
In the other match of the day, Gemcon Khulna will be eyeing to keep their good form against Minister Rajshahi considering the latter look out of sort after a convincing start in the tournament.
Gemcon Young wicket-keeper batsman Zakir Hasan blistering half-century helped them moved up to the second position in the points table as they defeated Fortune Barishal by 48 runs in their last game.
Khulna’s skipper Mahmudullah insisted that he is happy to see the all-round effort by his teammates.
“I feel it was a great win from all the aspects. Both batsmen and bowlers did well and we did well as a team. I am happy seeing this,” said Mahmudullah.
Pace bowler Khaled Ahmed, who was included for injured Shafiul Islam, joined the Khulna training session on Saturday.
On the other hand, Rajshahi will be hoping that their premier all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin, who was seen trying to recover from his injury that ruled him out so far in the tournament, gets fit to play at the earliest possible time.
“Let’s see what happens as far as he is concerned but we are hoping to get him soon. After the practice session we will talk with the physio,” said Rajshahi manager Hannan Sarkar.
