Soumya, Liton hog the limelight

On the final day of the Bangabandhu T20 Cup's group stage yesterday, Minister Rajshahi and Gazi Group Chattogram were in stark contrast when it came to standard of cricket.

Chattogram, riding on the classical opening pair of Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das, were focused on staying as clinical as they had been throughout the tournament and ended the group stage with seven wins from eight games.

On the other hand, Rajshahi failed to secure a top-four berth due to their below-par display in a do-or-die scenario, losing by 36 runs after Chattogram posted 175 for four.

But once again it was Soumya and Liton who caught the eye. The pair were on top of their game after Chattogram were asked to bat first in overcast conditions.

Although Soumya had some fortune early on when he was dropped twice, the left-hander looked solid thereafter. At the other end, Liton had come into the match after being rested for the previous game but picked up right where he left off.

From Soumya's elegant flick off the legs to pacer Rejaur Rahman to Liton's sweet stroke for a boundary towards backward point, it seemed to be a walk in the park for the pair.

There were never questions about the talent of either batsman, but consistency has been the biggest concern for Liton and Soumya over the years. And both finally showed some in the tournament so far.

Soumya reached his second fifty of the tournament off forty balls in the 13th over and Liton followed suit, registering his third fifty off 38 deliveries, in the next over.

Courtesy of the two batters, Chattogram reached 100 without loss in twelve overs and at one stage were eying a total over 200.

However, Soumya departed for a 48-ball 63 featuring four sixes and three fours as the opening stand was broken for 122. Liton departed soon after, bowled by Rejaur Rahman as he attempted a lap shot. He made 55 off 43, hitting five fours and a six. The elegant right-hander was at the top of the run-getters list before the second match of the day with 306 runs from seven games.

Not only have the pair's performances been a welcome sight for the Bangabandhu T20 Cup, the national team will also be excited by their form ahead of the West Indies series.