DHAKA, Jan 10, (V7N) – Durbar Rajshahi broke the trend at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, becoming the first team this season to successfully defend a total in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as they defeated Khulna Tigers by 28 runs.

In a venue where the dew factor typically favored teams batting second, Rajshahi reversed the pattern, securing their second victory in five matches.

Burl’s All-Round Brilliance

Zimbabwean all-rounder Ryan Burl was the standout performer, contributing both with the bat and ball. He smashed an unbeaten 48 off 29 balls, laced with seven fours and one six, to guide Rajshahi to a competitive 178-5 after they were reduced to 67-4 in the 10th over. Burl later took 2-13 in two overs to stifle Khulna’s chase.

Rajshahi’s Resilient Batting

After being asked to bat first, Rajshahi's innings was anchored by a crucial 88-run partnership between Burl and Yasir Ali Rabbi, who scored a brisk 41 off 25 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Despite losing early wickets, the duo stabilized the innings and set up a strong finish.

In the final overs, Akbar Ali added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 21 off just nine balls.

For Khulna, left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed impressed with figures of 2-20.

Khulna’s Struggles in the Chase

Chasing 179, Khulna Tigers faltered as their top order collapsed. Afif Hossain top-scored with 33, while opener Naim Sheikh managed 24. However, no other batter could surpass the 20-run mark.

Rajshahi’s bowlers, led by Sohag Gazi and Burl, dismantled Khulna’s middle order. Taskin Ahmed, though slightly off-color, still claimed two crucial wickets, including that of skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz for just one. Taskin finished with 2-30 from 3.3 overs, sealing the win by dismissing Salman Irshad in the final over.

Khulna Tigers, who won both matches in Dhaka earlier, suffered their first defeat in Sylhet.

This win pushes Rajshahi closer to contention in the BPL standings as they continue their Sylhet campaign.

The victory also highlighted the importance of partnerships, with Burl and Yasir’s recovery effort proving decisive.

Rajshahi will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches, while Khulna will need to regroup after their first setback in this phase of the tournament.

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