DHAKA: Durbar Rajshahi captain Anamul Haque Bijoy attributed the team’s defeat in their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) opener against defending champions Fortune Barishal to a lack of experience in their bowling department. Despite posting a formidable total, Rajshahi fell short by four wickets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bijoy highlighted the absence of seasoned bowlers, apart from Taskin Ahmed, as a critical factor in their inability to defend the target. “I think we have a shortage of experience in our bowling department. Apart from Taskin Ahmed, no bowlers are such experienced to take the pressure of a big match,” Bijoy stated following the match. Rajshahi had set a challenging target of 197-3, propelled by Yasir Ali’s explosive 94 not out off 47 balls and Bijoy’s steady 65 off 51 balls.
Taskin Ahmed’s performance, which included taking three wickets, was a silver lining for Rajshahi. However, Bijoy emphasized the need for additional support. “Taskin bowled really well and took three wickets. If someone can help him by bowling four good overs, we could have won the game,” he remarked.
Mahmudullah Riyad and Fahim Ashraf emerged as pivotal figures for Barishal, executing critical knocks that turned the tide in their favor after struggling at 61-5. Mahmudullah’s unbeaten 56 off 26 balls and Fahim Ashraf’s 54 off 21 balls enabled Barishal to chase down the target, finishing at 200-6 with 11 balls remaining.
Bijoy acknowledged Mahmudullah’s consistent match-winning performances, both for his current team and Bangladesh. “Mahmudullah has played many such matches in winning causes for Bangladesh. We have seen this sort of innings from him in the past,” he noted. With Mahmudullah at the crease, Bijoy admitted that it posed a significant challenge for the bowlers, as demonstrated in this match.
The captain extended his best wishes to Mahmudullah, expressing hope for more such innings in future games. “He is in great form now. Best wishes to him for playing a good innings. I hope he will deliver more such innings for the Bangladesh team,” Bijoy concluded.