Imrul inspires GP-BCB Academy to big win

A brilliant ton by Imrul Kayes enabled GP-BCB Academy team to make a flying start in the three-nation Grameenphone Academy Cup One-Day Cricket beating South Africa Academy team by 75 runs in the opening match at the Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Ruhul Amin Stadium in Chittagong Tuesday. Opening batsman Imrul Kayes scored an entertaining 113 runs to guide the hosts GP-BCB Academy team to score moderate 235 runs for all in 47.3 overs, batting first after winning the toss.

Imrul Kayes was adjudged man of the match for his 104-ball innings that featured 16 boundaries and two over boundaries.

Number six Nasir Hossain contributed 52 runs off 63 balls with two fours and two sixes, while skipper Nasiruddin Faruk scored 21 runs and Mehrab Hossain Jr made 10.

M Shezi and Abdul Aziz Temour claimed three wickets each conceding 36 and 49 runs respectively.

In reply, South Africa Academy team were dismissed for 160 runs in 45.5 overs with opener Sammy Joe Avontour and Mondhi Mahlame scoring 39 and 28 runs respectively.

Nasir Hossain and Suhrawardi Shuvo took three wickets each for 24 and 31 runs respectively.

The GP-BCB Academy team meets Pakistan Academy team Wednesday at the same venue.

After the league basis matches at the BSSRAS, the two top teams will meet in the final on April 23 at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS).

Earlier, the GP-BCB Academy team made a good start in the Academy Cup winning the two-match four-day series 1-0 against South Africa Academy team.

The hosts outplayed the Proteas side by an innings and 68 runs in the first four-day match, while the 2nd match ended in draw.

--UNB, Dhaka