Amir Jamal bags maiden five-fer in BPL 2024

• Aamir Jamal takes first T20 five-wicket haul for Comilla Victorians.
• He led team to big win over Khulna Tigers.
• He took 2 wickets in first the 2 BPL.

In the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Aamer Jamal, an all-rounder from Pakistan, achieved his first T20 five-wicket haul while playing for Comilla Victorians, leading his team to a significant win over Khulna Tigers.

Jamal’s successful streak continued from his winter season, which included a remarkable debut Test tour of Australia where he claimed 18 wickets.

While defending a score of 149 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Jamal was introduced as the fifth change bowler, with Comilla Victorians already in a strong position having taken four wickets.

Jamal’s spell initially faced some hurdles, with his second delivery being a no-ball and the subsequent free hit resulting in a six. However, he regained control two balls later by dismissing Evin Lewis, who was caught on the leg side after mistiming a pick-up shot.

From there, Jamal dominated, shifting from conceding eight runs in his first two legal deliveries to taking 2-3 in his next 12. Mohammad Nawaz was the next to fall, trapped lbw after failing to connect with a leg-side clip. Despite reviewing the decision, the ball-tracking indicated that the ball would have hit the leg stump.

Faheem Ashraf offered some resistance for Khulna Tigers, hitting Jamal for a six over deep mid-wicket. However, he was dismissed attempting another big shot in the next ball, edging behind.

Jamal then found himself on the verge of a hat-trick, with Nahidul Islam and Nasum Ahmed both getting caught by Towhid Hridoy, who was positioned at deep mid-wicket and cover, respectively.

With Khulna Tigers down to their last wicket, Jamal had five balls remaining but couldn’t take the final wicket, ending with figures of 5-23. His performance played a crucial role in Comilla Victorians’ 34-run victory.

The 27-year-old has played in three BPL matches, proving to be economical but only taking one wicket in his first two games. After costly performances in two matches for Pakistan in New Zealand, Jamal’s return to form will bolster his chances of being selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to be held in the USA and the Caribbean.