ESPNcricinfo XI: one uncapped batsman in a big-hitting line-up, a sprinkling of quality allrounders, and an impressive pace attack
Mohammad Isam and Peter Della Penna09-Feb-20191. Tamim Iqbal (capt), 467 runs in 14 matches (Comilla Victorians)He saved the best for the last, a stunning unbeaten 141 that decimated a strong Dynamites attack in the final. It took Comilla Victorians to their second title, and Tamim to second place on the run-getters’ list, behind Rilee Rossouw. He also scored two fifties in a tournament where he said he was “off-colour”.2. Sunil Narine, 279 runs and 18 wickets in 15 matches (Dhaka Dynamites)Till the last ball he bowled, Narine was a constant threat for every batting line-up. He took wickets at crunch moments, but it was his economy rate, 6.35 for the whole tournament, that stood out in particular, given that he played every game for the Dynamites. He also scored vital runs opening the batting.3. AB de Villiers, 247 runs in 6 matches (Rangpur Riders)He was the most talked-about overseas recruit in BPL history, and he delivered on the promise of big, blinding hitting in almost every game. His unbeaten century against the Dynamites was a brilliant effort, and his other quick knocks ensured that the Riders didn’t lose any of the six games he played.4. Yasir Ali, 307 runs in 11 matches (Chittagong Vikings)The brightest performer among the local uncapped cricketers, Yasir contributed significantly in Chittagong Vikings’ best outings in the tournament. He was impressive, scoring three fifties, but according to his captain Mushfiqur Rahim, Yasir should have pressed on after getting good starts. Maybe something for him to target going forward.Rilee Rossouw topped the run-scorers’ chart•Raton Gomes/BCB5. Rilee Rossouw, 558 runs in 14 matches (Rangpur Riders)The batsman with the most runs in the competition, Rossouw took charge of the Riders’ batting line-up from the word go although he was initially picked as a likely cover for de Villiers. Even in the presence of Chris Gayle, Alex Hales and de Villiers, it was Rossouw who led the Riders’ progress in the tournament, though his duck in the second qualifier was most inopportune.6. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 426 runs in 13 matches (Chittagong Vikings)The Vikings’ progress to the last four was down to a team effort, but Mushfiqur’s runs were essential. He was critical to two of the Vikings’ successful chases, against the Victorians and Rajshahi Kings, and ensured that the largely low-budget squad kept winning when they had the momentum. He later said that it was the sort of campaign that made him “slightly” happy.7. Shakib Al Hasan, 301 runs and 23 wickets in 15 matches (Dhaka Dynamites)Shakib finished the tournament as the highest wicket-taker and among the top ten run-scorers. He played some important knocks for the Dynamites, and led them well with the ball, too. But as he said at the end of the final, he should have made more runs. Nonetheless, he won the Player-of-the-Tournament award.Shakib Al Hasan and Sunil Narine were crucial to Dhaka’s progress•Raton Gomes/BCB8. Andre Russell, 299 runs and 14 wickets in 15 matches (Dhaka Dynamites)Russell formed Dhaka’s quartet of strong allrounders, along with Shakib, Narine and Kieron Pollard. He muscled plenty of sixes but when it was needed the most – in the final – Russell couldn’t get one. Still, it was a good campaign for the allrounder.9. Mashrafe Mortaza, 22 wickets in 14 matches (Rangpur Riders)Mashrafe’s best bowling performance was his 4 for 11 against the Victorians, a spell in which he ran through the opposition’s top order. He did his job for the Riders, but a lopsided line-up meant that it wasn’t always enough.10. Taskin Ahmed, 22 wickets in 12 matches (Sylhet Sixers)Taskin finished with two four-wicket hauls, standing out as a star performer for Sylhet Sixers. Many batsmen observed that his pace was back, and he also used a lot of yorkers and slower balls through the competition. It is a pity for Bangladesh, though, that he picked up an ankle injury that has ruled him out of the tour of New Zealand.11. Rubel Hossain, 22 wickets in 15 matches (Dhaka Dynamites)Rubel had to bowl well given the usual pressure on him during the tournament, and he delivered on most occasions for the Dynamites. He was crucial in the second qualifier against the Riders, but still had those spells when he just went off the boil, especially in the death overs.
