Tamim, Nabi deliver Vikings' winning start

A four-wicket haul from Mohammad Nabi delivered a 29-run victory for Chittagong Vikings over defending champions Comilla Victorians in the opening match of the Bangladesh Premier League at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. 

Nabi's bowling heroics followed Chittagong skipper Tamim Iqbal's half-century and some lower-order pyrotechnics from Shoaib Malik, which carried the Vikings to 161 for three in 20 overs.

The bright spot for Comilla was the performance of young batsman Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who remained unbeaten on 54 from 44 balls with three sixes as Comilla ended the 20 overs on 132 for eight. Nabi picked up the wickets of Liton Das, Ashar Zaidi, Al-Amin and Sohail Tanvir to finish with excellent figures of four from 24 from four overs. Dwayne Smith, Abdur Razzak, Tymal Mills and Taskin Ahmed all picked up a wicket apiece as the Comilla chase failed to build any momentum.   

Earlier, a 38-ball 54 from Vikings captain Tamim Iqbal and Shoaib Malik’s cameo lifted their side to 161 for 3.

Comilla captain Mashrafe Mortaza won the toss and invited Chittagong to bat first. Tamim hit six fours and two sixes. Shoaib was unbeaten on 42 from 28 balls. His innings contained two fours and two hits over the fence.

Imad Wasim of Comilla was only wicket-taker for his side today. He took the wicket of Dwayne Smith and gave away 22 runs in four overs.