Dhaka Feb 17 : West Indian all-rounder Sunil Narine mesmerised the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) fans with an explosive 13-ball fifty for Comilla Victorians on Wednesday.
In the process, Narine became the joint-second fastest half-centurion in the T20 format, with India’s Yuvraj Singh leading the list courtesy of his 12-ball fifty in the format.
It was the second qualifier of the T20 league in Bangladesh as Narine’s Victorians took on Chattogram Challengers at the Shere Bangla Stadium in Mirpur. Opening the innings for his side, Narine exploded from the word go and scored some magnificent sixes and fours to rack up his fifty in no time.
He scored a total of 5 fours and 6 sixes as the Victorians reached the target of 149 runs in just 12.5 overs. In his entire innings, Narine just played two dot balls. Had those deliveries not been dots, the veteran all-rounder could’ve gone on to break Yuvraj Singh’s record.
Sunil Narine innings summary: Dot, 6, 4, 4, 6, 6, 4, 6, Dot, 4, 6, 1, 6.
In the end, Narine was dismissed on the 16th ball of his innings, having already scored 57 runs. Imrul Kayes (22), Faf du Plessis (30 not out) and Moeen Ali, however, ensured that the team secured a victory with the most resounding margin.
Speaking of his innings, Narine said after the match: “No, when I was told I’d open, I was delighted, especially with just 2 fielders outside the ring. It was a good wicket to bat on, not much spin, especially with the new ball, came on nicely.”