Rangpur Riders explosive opener and ‘Caribbean tempest’ Chris Gayle stated that he always intends to finish the match for his team and expressed satisfaction with his personal performance in their match against Khulna Titans in first eliminator match of Bangladesh Premier League at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket in the capital on Friday.
It was due to Gayle’s blazing innings of 126 runs off 51 balls that Rangpur cruised over 167 made by Khulna Titans with 28 balls remaining.
After the match, Chris opened up to the press and expressed his thoughts about the proceedings so far. He also stressed on the role of rhythm in batting. It was a pleasant surprise for him to be able to play on a batting friendly wicket.
“All about momentum when you’re batting as well, a 170 wicket, the best wicket in Dhaka so far. Pressure was always there,” said Gayle.
For Rangpur Riders, Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum have been very successful. Gayle also hinted at the adopted responsibility he experienced after McCullum was dismissed for a duck.
“It is always important for somebody in the top three to bat deep. I always try to finish the match, we have guys in the shed, but I wanted to take it across the line,” explained Chris.
He adorned his 51-ball innings, with 14 massive sixes and 6 fours as he played the biggest innings in the history of BPL surpassing Sabbir Rahman’s 122-run innings.
 
Bashundhara Group Vice-Chairman and Rangpur Riders Managing Director Safwan Sobhan Tasvir, Rangpur Riders Adviser Naimur Rahman Durjoy MP and Rangpur skipper Mashrafe Mortaza are seen in a jolly mood after Riders’ victory against Khulna Titans in their BPL T20 eliminator match at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the capital on Friday.
 
In the presentation ceremony, Rangpur skipper Mashrafe Mortaza was more intent to highlight on the bowling performance as he believed that though the bowled well; there is much scope for improvement.
“Our bowling was good for the first six overs. Malinga was struggling but he has been a champion bowler. Nonetheless, we made some mistakes which we can be worked upon later on. He’s (Gayle) the king of this format, he is impossible to stop,” Mashrafe said.
Khulna Titans skipper Mahmudullah Riyad seemed to have accepted the fate which was forced on them in the guise ‘Gayle-storm’.
“We made a decent total, but Chris took the game from us. We batted and bowled really well. In the end, someone has to lose,“ said Mahmudullah.