ZCZC
BSP-27
CRICKET-BPL-KHULNA
Khulan Titans tastes first win in BPL
SYLHET, Jan 15, 2019 (BSS)-Khulna Titans tasted their first win in the 6th
edition of Bangladesh Premier League T20 beating Rajshahi Kings by 25 runs in
the 15th match of the tournament held on Tuesday at Sylhet International
Cricket Stadium.
With this win, Khulna Titans opened their account with two points from five
matches while Rajshahi Kings remained at their previous credit of four points
playing the same number of outings.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Khulna Titans managed to score
a moderate total of 128 for 9 from their allotted 20 overs.
Sri Lankan all-rounder Isuru Udana struck early on Khulna’s innings as he
send back Jahirul Islam for 13 while Mehedy Hasan sent Junaid Siddique for 14
making him clean bowled.
Mehedi claimed his second wicket as he trapped leg before wicket to Dawid
Milna for 15 leaving Khulna in a deep trouble.
Arafat Sunny joined the party picking up the wickets of Khulna Titans —
skipper Mahmudullah and Carlos Brathwaite in the middle.
Ariful Haque top scored for Khulna with 26-run off 27-ball laced with one
boundary before he fell victim to pacer Mustafizur Rahman while David Wiese
added 13 runs before he was out by Udana.
Khulna Titans batsmen failed to build any effective partnership losing
wickets in regular intervals in the face of tight bowling display by the
Rajshahi Kings bowlers.
Skipper Mehedy Hasan, Afafat Sunny and Isuru Udana were the pick of
Rajshahi’s bowlers as they claimed two wickets each conceding 21, 25 and 36
runs respectively.
In reply, Rajshahi Kings found the chase stiff as they slipped 5 for 47
inside 5.4 overs and eventually they were cheaply dismissed at a paltry total
of 103 in 19.5 overs.
Skipper Mehedy Hasan top scored for Rajshahi making 23 runs while Christian
Jonker (15) and Arafat Sunny (15), were the other notable scorers for
Rajshahi.
Taiju Islam and Junaid Khan were the most successful bowlers as they
claimed three of Rajshahi’s wickets each conceding 10 and 26 runs
respectively. They were well supported by Mahmudullah who bagged two wickets
giving away 12 runs.
Taiju Islam of Khulna Titans was named the player of the match for his
brilliant bowling performance.
Mahmudullah, Khulna Titans captain after winning the match said: “Losing
four matches, there was pressure. Good that, we won today, feels good. I
think the biggest concern is our batting. We are not expressing ourselves as
we would like to. We need to look into it. Taijul and all the bowlers bowled
really well.”
Mehedy Hasan, Rajshahi Kings captain said: “The wicket was pretty good, a
bit slow. The spinners bowled well. We lost it in the power play. We were
already four down then. The bowlers did really well – especially the
spinners. Our batters are not getting runs that’s the problem. I hope we bat
better in the next match.”
BSS/SG/ARS/1844 hrs