Rajshahi-Khulna dominate BBPL best XI

The Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 2019-20 has come to a close as Rajshahi Royals were crowned champions after beating Khulna Tigers in the final by 21 runs. The biggest positive for Bangladesh cricket in this tournament was the performance of the local players as they dominated the charts. 

The Business Standard (TBS) brings you the best XI of the BPL and here it goes - 

Liton Das (Rajshahi Royals) 

Liton Das has been often criticized by many because of his inconsistency in the recent past. But in this BPL, the 25-year old showed consistency as he finished the tournament with 455 runs averaging 32.50 at a strike rate of 134.2. His opening pair with Afif Hossain was vital in Rajshahi's success as they were the most consistent opening pair in this BPL.

Afif Hossain (Rajshahi Royals)

Liton's opening partner Afif Hossain was another batsman in touch as he notched up 370 runs in the tournament, averaging 26.42 at a strike rate of 131.2. He was also handy with the ball as he picked up seven wickets in the tournament. 

Imrul Kayes (Chattogram Challengers)

After a horrid India series, Imrul Kayes managed to turn things around in this BPL as he scored 442 runs with a staggering average of 49.1 1 and his strike rate was 132.33. He was crucial for Chattogram Challengers as he led the side in Mahmudullah Riyad's absence and also, put runs on the board for the side as they reached the playoffs.   

Rilee Rossouw (Khulna Tigers)

Rilee Rossouw continued this season from right where he left last season as the South African batsman became the highest run-scorer in the tournament for two consecutive seasons. He notched up 495 runs with a strike rate of 155 as he guided his team Khulna Tigers to the final. 

Mushfiqur Rahim (wk) (Khulna Tigers)

This BPL saw Mushfiqur Rahim compete in the final for the first time in BPL history. Mushfiq played brilliantly throughout the tournament to lead his team, Khulna Tigers to the final but failed to lift the trophy. Mushfiq scored 491 runs, averaging an unbelievable 71.2 with an equally impressive strike rate of 147. He also managed nine dismissals behind the stumps to add up to his batting credentials.  

Andre Russell © (Rajshahi Royals)

Andre Russell not only led his side to glory but also grabbed the man of the tournament award for his all-round stats. The Caribbean hard-hitter scored 225 runs and picked up 14 wickets but his most crucial contribution came in the second qualifier as he scored a thunderous 54 off 22 deliveries to take Rajshahi into the final.

The best XI of BPL picked up the TBS team.

Robbie Frylinck (Khulna Tigers)

Khulna's South African all-rounder Robbie Frylinck also continued his good run from the last BPL as he picked up 20 wickets in the tournament in his side's rally to the final. He also scored 133 runs and was vital for Khulna's success this season. 

Mohammad Amir (Khulna Tigers)

Mohammad Amir was brilliant throughout the tournament as he ended the BPL as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets. He was devastating in the first qualifier as he picked up a brilliant 6-17, the best bowling figures in BPL history, to rattle Rajshahi. Amir was also pretty economical as he gave away 7.05 runs per over. 

Mujeeb-ur-Rahman (Cumilla Warriors)

Despite his side Cumilla Warriors failed to reach the playoffs, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman was brilliant for them throughout the tournament as he was the only spinner to be among the top 10 wicket-takers. The Afghan teenager was very close-fisted as he gave away only 5.06 runs per over, picking up 15 wickets.

Mustafizur Rahman (Rangpur Rangers)

Mustafizur Rahman had looked out of touch before and at the start of the BPL but 'The Fizz' recovered himself as he ended the tournament on top of the bowling charts. The 24-year old picked up 20 wickets and gave away only 7.01 runs per over. His side Rangpur Rangers failed to make it to the playoffs, but Mustafiz shone in his own light. 

Rubel Hossain (Chattogram Challengers)

Rubel Hossain was back to his best in this BPL as he bowled fast and accurate throughout the tournament, picking up 20 wickets. He regularly bowled at the death and was accurate there as his economy was only 7.31, which helped him get back to Bangladesh squad for the Pakistan tour.