In their second match of the ISCT 2024, Dohatec New Media suffered a frustrating defeat in a low-scoring thriller at the hands of ERA Infotech. The thrilling game took place on Friday, November 15, at the stunning Bhawal Club Ground, located on the outskirts of Dhaka. Dohatec tried their best, but they could not cross the final hurdle, and it was ERA Infotech who were on their feet celebrating their hard-fought victory with the cheers of their loyal supporters following them.
After winning the toss, ERA chose to put Dohatec to bat first on the difficult track at Bhawal Club Ground. This pitch was lively with pace and inconsistent bounce, unlike the batting-friendly surface they had faced in their previous match, where bowlers were severely disadvantaged. ERA took this opportunity to their advantage as their opening bowlers, Anik Saha and Mashroor Rahman, exploited the conditions to create enormous pressure on the Dohatec batting line-up.
Dohatec hardly found any rhythm during the powerplay, as they could score only 14 runs there for the loss of one wicket. In the later phase, the ERA bowlers kept their stranglehold, ensuring that the Dohatec batters never had any breathing space to stage any recovery. It was a disappointing day for the Dohatec batters, where only three players managed to enter the double figures on the score carts. Clinton Chakma and Tousif Khan were the only ones to maintain a strike rate over 100. After their full quota of 20 overs, Dohatec managed a mere 93 runs while losing 9 wickets in the process. Nasir Uddin was the pick of the bowlers for ERA, with a brilliant bowling performance of 4 wickets for 23 runs.
Chasing a target of 94 runs in 20 overs, ERA Infotech came out all guns blazing and scored 45 runs in the powerplay overs, losing 2 wickets in the process. But from there onwards, the bowlers for Dohatec started to dominate, changing the flow of the match. They only gave away 10 runs in the next four overs while losing another valuable wicket. At the midway point of the ERA innings, the score stood at 55/4.
As the game progressed, Dohatec bowlers maintained the pressure by claiming wickets at regular intervals and forcing the ERA batting line-up to remain cautious. Though they did all they could to curb the free flow of runs and cut out the threat posed by the ERA batters, the low total proved too challenging to defend. Finally, while losing 7 wickets, ERA Infotech completed their chase within 18 overs. ERA Opening batter Spandan Sarkar Likhon was the standout player among the ERA batters and was instrumental in leading the side to triumph. A slow yet steady 35 off 43 from Likhon ensured his side got the job done.
On the other hand, Dohatec had a much better showing with the ball as Aasiquzzaman picked up 2 scalps while Tousif Khan, Hussain Md. Tito and Masum Billah chipped in with a wicket each, putting a determined effort in the losing cause.
Dohatec will play giants Bkash Limited at the same venue in their last group stage match next week, which will undoubtedly be a highly anticipated encounter. Despite this loss, Dohatec will be hoping to rebound and secure advancement to the knockout rounds. Bkash won both of their group matches and sitting at the top of the group will be a tough opponent. However, this is going to be an exciting game, and hopefully, Dohatec will stand up to its feet and take their next game.