Khulna Tigers left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed. -File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 3, 2025 (BSS)- Khulna Tigers left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed insisted 
that they were unfazed by Rangpur Riders marquee foreign collections, knowing 
that disciplined bowling will be key to success on Mirpur wicket.

Nasum eventually maintained a disciplined line and length to spin the side to 
a facile nine-wicket victory over Rangpur, who roped in franchise cricket's 
big names like Andre Russell, Tim David and James Vince for the crucial 
Eliminator game in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

But the trio collectively could muster 12 runs as Rangpur were bowled out for 
a meager 85 in 16.5 overs. Khulna overhauled the target in 10.2 overs to keep 
their BPL final hopes alive.

Nasum dismissed Vince and Tim David to finish with 3-16, a performance that 
earned him the man of the match award.
 
"Actually, we didn't know that they would come with three new foreign 
players. We had heard that they were coming. But as we were not sure, we 
couldn't plan for them well. However, I love to bowl against foreigners on 
this (Mirpur) wicket," Nasum said after the Eliminator game today.
 
Nasum, who had many successes with the national team on Mirpur wicket, bowled 
four overs in a row after opening with the new ball. In those four overs, he 
took three wickets and stifled the power-packed Rangpur line up to such 
extent that they could never recover from the collapse.
 
Nasum explained the reason behind completing his bowling quota early, saying, 
"Because they were packed with right hand batters. And I am always effective 
against the right handers. That's why captain prompted to bowl me at a 
stretch. He made changes in previous matches but today he had the option. 
That's why he dared to complete my quota."

The Champions Trophy will be held immediately after the BPL. Nasum is 
considered as the go-to bowler for captain in the national team squad for 
this tournament.
 
He has been in superb form too in the BPL, taking 11 wickets in 11 matches, 
conceding 7.15 runs per over in a tournament which saw run-galore in almost 
every match in this season.
 
But Nasum refused to talk on Champions Trophy right at this moment, saying 
that he wants to give full focus on BPL.

"I will plan that separately for the Champions Trophy. Currently, I am 
focused on the BPL. Let me finish it well first," he said.