Final not just a clash of the captains : Shahriar Nafees
Jannatul Naym Pieal
Shahriar Nafees, the discarded national opener, played only three matches before the second qualifier for Barisal Bulls. But his performance was not up to the mark as he combined only 16 runs in that three matches. However in the all-important second qualifier on Sunday against Rangpur Riders, the stylish batsman hinted of getting back to form and made a solid 44 off 40 balls before sacrificing his wicket to save Sabbir Rahman from being run out. Courtesy to Nafees’ 44 alongside Sabbir’s 79, Barisal won the match comprehensively and stormed into the final to face Comilla Victorians on Tuesday.
Ahead of the dream final of the prestigious T20 tournament, Nafees disclosed his team’s game plan to keep playing their natural cricket. “We have played very well in the group phase and also in the play-offs. We are looking to continue such performance. We want to play the final just like any other game where we will be trying to stick to our strength to win the match. Hopefully we will be able to bring out a positive result on our side.”
“Comilla is a very formidable side. They have played the highest quality of cricket throughout the tournament. Playing against them will be very challenging. We are not taking them lightly. I guess the final is going to be a highly competitive one,” added Nafees.
The Bulls opener also said, “I am emotionally very much attached with the Barisal team. Barisal is my home town. So it’s always very inspiring for me to represent Barisal. I will be trying to contribute more in the final.”
Barisal will be without the services of Chris Gayle, who flew to.Australia to take part in the BBL. But Nafees is not interested to see Gayle’s absence as a big issue. “Of course we will miss his services. But that doesn’t mean his absence will be affecting us greatly. We have played and won several big matches when Gayle wasn’t there for us. Again we can win another without him, if others can step up and perform properly.”
“Mashrafe is a great leader, so is Mahmudullah. As far as I am concerned, both are equally effective to lead the side to success. But the final is not going to be a clash of the captains only. At te end of the day, it’s a team-game and the team that has more performer will emerge victorious,” concluded Nafees.
