DHAKA, Dec 30, 2024 (BSS) - Durbar Rajshahi captain Anamul Haque Bijoy blamed the shortage of experience in their bowling department as the key reason in their defeat to defending Champions Fortune Barishal in their opening game of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) today at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

“I think we have 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 said after his side’s four-wicket defeat to Barishal.

Rajshahi put up a gigantic 197-3, riding on Yasir Ali’s 47 ball-94 not out and Bijoy’s 51 ball-65. But the big total was not enough to win them the game.

“Taskin bowled really well and took three wickets. If someone can help him by bowling at four good overs, we could have won the game.”

He also praised Mahmudullah Riyad and Fahim Ashraf who played two whirlwind knocks to take the game away from Rajshahi after Barishal found them struggling at 61-5.

Mahmudullah was unbeaten on 26 ball-56 while Fahim Ashraf was on 21 ball-54 as Barishal gunned down the total by reaching 200-6 with 11 balls to spare.
“Mahmudullah has played many such matches in winning causes for Bangladesh. We have seen this sort of innings from him in the past. He has not only won matches for the team he plays for, but also won matches like this or brought something good to that team. In fact, he knows and has that belief that how to deal with such crunch situation,” Bijoy said.

“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. When such a batter is at the crease while chasing runs, it is always a cause for concern for the opposing team, as happened to us today. At the end, he finished the game,” he remarked.