Sabbir run-out the turning point - Sammy

Rajshahi Kings captain Darren Sammy said Sabbir Rahman's dismissal in the tenth over of the chase proved to be the turning point of the BPL final against Dhaka Dynamites in Mirpur. Sabbir, on 26, rushed Mominul Haque for a single, but Mehedi Maruf's direct hit from short fine leg ran him out.

From the comfort of 62 for 1, Rajshahi were bowled out for 103, the lowest total in a BPL final. Mominul top scored with 27, but it was never enough and Sammy said they needed one of the top four to bat through most of the chase.

"I thought the run-out of Sabbir changed the momentum for us," Sammy said after the game. "I think ten runs an over is quite manageable so we needed 97 in the last 10 overs with set batters. We lost too many wickets after ten overs. Every time we took the attack we kept losing wickets, so that was the turning point. Half way through I was quite confident of chasing the target but we needed someone in the top four to bat through.

"Credit to Dhaka, but again I am really proud of what we have achieved with the players we have. We didn't have the stars but we played like a star team. For me that was the most important part as a captain."

Sammy said Rajshahi's fortunes in the tournament had changed when Farhad Reza and Mehedi Hasan added 85 for the eighth wicket after they had slipped to 43 for 7 against Rangpur Riders on November 28. They ended up winning by 49 runs, which helped them build momentum to make the final.

"For me it was the partnership Farhad and Miraz had against Rangpur. We were 40-odd for 7, and I saw the Rangpur owner was passing by the dugout. He was just laughing and he had the largest smile on his face. I was just saying, "just get us to 120". These two played like kings. We believed in each other.

"I want to single out our franchise owners. I have heard of other players complaining about different stuff. Our owners were supportive. Even when we were in the bottom of the table, they believed in the team. It gave us motivation. As much as I am disappointed, I think they will be proud of what the team has achieved."