Imrul reveals the secret to their success against Riders

Comilla Victorians became the first side to ensure a spot in the final of sixth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), as they registered a whopping eight-wicket victory over defending champions Rangpur Riders at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. Skipper Imrul Kayes felt that it was Comilla's planned batting on the day that brought the desired result.

Comilla had put on abysmal showings, especially with the willow on previous two occasions, when they faced Rangpur in this edition of the tournament. Comilla were bundled for their lowest and second lowest totals in history of BPL -- 63 runs in 16.2 overs and 72 runs in 16.3 overs -- when they last faced Rangpur in the league stage of the tournament.

However, Comilla's batting unit looked totally  different yesterday when they came on to chase a challenging 165 for five posted by Rangpur. Opener Evin Lewis authored an unbeaten 53-ball 71 to see his side over the line comfortably. And according to skipper Imrul, who spoke during the post-match press conference, it was the change in his men's approach that made the difference.

"We could not do well against Rangpur in the first round. Today we planned well for the game. The last two matches that we lost, we batted without any planning. But today we had a very good plan and all the batsmen executed them accordingly. I think it's a team performance and it's everyone's credit, not only mine or Evin Lewis'"

Imrul also revealed what was the exact change in their plan that helped them triumph.

"In the last two games we batted first and everyone batted aggressively as we wanted to post totals around 180 or 190 or else we would not win against them. That was our plan but we lost three to four wickets in the first six overs, which ultimately created pressure on the middle order. No one could execute properly, but for today's game we planned during the team meeting that even if we score 30 or 40 runs in the first six overs, then it will not be a problem as long as we don't lose any wickets. Still we lost one wicket [during that time] but the most important thing is that Evin Lewis batted till the end and that was our plan, if any top order batsmen is there he will remain till the end and finish the game."