The stage was set for a dramatic showdown in the 2024 Bangladesh Premier League, pitting Fortune Barishal against defending champions Comilla Victorians. Barishal’s skipper, Tamil Iqbal, won the toss and elected to field first on a traditionally batting-friendly Mirpur pitch, banking on the advantage of chasing.
In a departure from the norm, Victorians’ captain, Litton Das, opted for an unconventional strategy by sending Sunil Narine as an opener, counting on his aggressive powerplay batting. However, the plan didn’t unfold as anticipated, as Barishal’s McCoy redeemed himself with a spectacular catch, making amends for an earlier missed opportunity to dismiss Narine.
The opening over of the game, bowled by Kyle Mayers, provided some gripping moments. On the third delivery, Narine’s thick outside edge off a good-length delivery flew towards third man.
McCoy, stationed in that region, initially misjudged the trajectory but swiftly adjusted by diving forward, only for the ball to elude his grasp. Lady Luck smiled on McCoy during the fifth ball of the over when Mayers delivered a full-pitched delivery.
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Narine, going for a half-volley, directed it towards short third man. McCoy, stationed there after the earlier missed chance, seized the opportunity with a remarkable one-handed grab, diving to his left to snare the ball at lightning speed.