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Ryan Burl, Yasir Ali, and the bowlers helped Durbar Rajshahi secure their second victory of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League, defeating Khulna Tigers by 28 runs at Sylhet International Stadium on Friday.

Khulna, chasing a target of 178, were bowled out for 150 in just 19.3 overs, succumbing to their first defeat after winning the first two matches in Mirpur.

Sylhet has been a high-scoring venue, but the wicket seemed to be on the slower side. As a result, Rajshahi’s top order struggled at 67-4 after the first 10 overs, being sent into bat.

Mohammad Haris and Jishan Alam—both openers—spent some time in the middle but couldn’t capitalise on that. 

But with the old ball, Burl and Yasir timed beautifully and lifted Rajshahi with a partnership of 88 runs in 51 balls.

Yasir made 41 off 25 before he was dismissed in the 19th over and then Akbar Ali’s cameo of 21 off nine made sure that Rajshahi had a competitive total while Burl remained unbeaten on 48 off 29. The Zimbabwean hit only one six with his seven fours. 

Before this game, no team had successfully defended a total in Sylhet, this year. But Rajshahi took that as a challenge, as per the captain Anamul Haque. 

‘We were expecting to post a big total,’ said Anamul after the match. ‘At the same time, when that was not possible, we discussed the possibility of defending our score by bowling in tight lines.’

‘If we had a point to prove with this team, then this was the opportunity. That this can be defended,’ added Anamul. 

Khulna, in reply, were uncomfortable in most part of their innings, which started with William Bosisto’s wicket in the first over. 

They managed only 34 runs while losing two in the powerplay. Since then, Mehidy Hasan Miraz-led team didn’t get the partnership they needed. 

Anamul, however, used his bowlers well, starting with Jishan Alam. The part-timer bowled four overs on a trot, including three in the powerplay. All the seven bowlers were used among the wickets. 

Anamul then said that their match-up worked effectively for them.

‘To be honest, Khulna had so many left-handers in their XI today, to be precise, six,’ Anamul explained. 

‘See, these things won’t always work even it has worked today. You cannot bowl with four bowlers. If the situation is like if the opponents have more right-handers, then we will need left-arm bowlers.’

Taskin—the most successful bowler of the season so far—Burl and Shohag Gazi each took two wickets. Khulna were bowled out with three balls remaining in the innings. 

Anamul then credited his young bowlers for the win. 

‘Thanks to Ohin [Meherob] and Jishan—they’re just boys; in that sense, they bowled nicely. Their bowling was a big advantage. And of course, Taskin is bowling well.’

Khulna, who were playing a match after six days, had a bad day at the office in both bowling and batting. 

Nasum Ahmed, the left-arm spinner, however, didn’t want to use that as an excuse. 

‘I think it’s better that it has already happened in the beginning. Every team must take a gap. We have to take it professionally.’