Unable to field any overseas players, Durbar Rajshahi formed an XI with entirely local players and pulled off a thrilling 2-run victory against the mighty Rangpur Riders.
The match, which seemed to be meandering towards a quiet finish, turned dramatic in the final over. Rangpur needed 25 runs off 6 balls. Mohammad Saifuddin smashed two consecutive sixes off Jisan Alam, reigniting hope for Rangpur. However, two mistimed shots followed, and Saifuddin chose not to take singles, aiming for the big hits needed to force a Super Over. Despite a four and a six off the last two balls, Rangpur fell short by 2 runs. Saifuddin remained unbeaten on 52 off 36 balls, standing dejected as Rajshahi celebrated an emotional victory.
Rajshahi’s players and coaching staff stormed the field, celebrating as if they’d won the championship. For them, this was more than just a win.
Challenges Off the Field
Rajshahi’s journey to this match was fraught with hurdles. The team was already plagued by disputes over unpaid salaries. Just before the match, they had to switch hotels due to logistical issues. To make matters worse, their foreign players boycotted the match over payment disputes. Under BPL rules, teams are required to include at least two overseas players in the XI. However, with special permission from the technical committee, Rajshahi fielded an all-local team after resolving last-minute uncertainties with the players by paying their dues.
Despite these setbacks, Rajshahi defeated the table-topping Rangpur Riders, a team brimming with strength and confidence.
Rajshahi’s Batting Struggles
Batting first, Rajshahi posted a modest total of 119/9. Their innings never gained momentum, with batters struggling against Rangpur’s disciplined bowling attack. Jisan Alam and Sabbir Hossain fell early, and despite brief resistance from Anamul Haque and Mukitunjay Chowdhury, Rajshahi collapsed, losing 4 wickets for just 13 runs in the middle overs.
Lower down the order, Sanjamul Islam held the innings together with an unbeaten 28 off 29 balls, hitting crucial boundaries in the final overs to help Rajshahi cross 100, a score that proved to be decisive in the end.
Khushdil Shah was the standout bowler for Rangpur, taking 3 wickets for just 19 runs in 4 overs.
Rajshahi’s Bowling Dominance
Defending a low total, Rajshahi’s bowlers delivered a spectacular performance. Taskin Ahmed struck early, dismissing Steven Taylor for a duck. Mukitunjay Chowdhury, returning to the XI, ran through Rangpur’s top order, picking up 4 wickets, including Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar, who struggled against his short-pitched deliveries.
At one stage, Rangpur was reeling at 30/5. Moher Sheikh added to Rangpur’s woes by dismissing Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah, leaving Rangpur’s hopes pinned on Saifuddin.
Despite Saifuddin’s late fireworks, including a partnership with Rakibul Hasan, Rajshahi held their nerve to clinch a memorable win.
Key Performances
- Mukitunjay Chowdhury: 4-1-18-4, dismantling Rangpur’s top order.
- Taskin Ahmed: 4-0-25-2, becoming the highest wicket-taker in a single BPL season with 24 wickets.
- Sanjamul Islam: Played a crucial unbeaten knock of 28 runs and bowled economically.
Records and Milestones
- Taskin Ahmed surpassed Shakib Al Hasan’s record of most wickets in a single BPL season.
- Akbar Ali set a new BPL record by taking 4 catches in a single match as a wicketkeeper.
Final Scores
- Durbar Rajshahi: 119/9 in 20 overs (Sanjamul 28*, Taskin 13; Khushdil 3/19)
- Rangpur Riders: 117/8 in 20 overs (Saifuddin 52*, Rakibul 20; Mukitunjay 4/18, Taskin 2/25)
Result: Rajshahi won by 2 runs.
Player of the Match: Mukitunjay Chowdhury
This victory not only keeps Rajshahi’s playoff hopes alive but also serves as a testament to their resilience and determination amidst adversity.
