After getting paid, Rajshahi finally becomes Durbar; beat Sylhet Strikers by 65-runs

After finally getting paid, Durbar Rajshahi's spirits were lifted as they claimed a commanding 65-run victory against Sylhet Strikers at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Friday. The win propelled them to fourth place on the points table, keeping their playoff hopes alive with five matches to go.

Defending 184 for 7, Rajshahi's bowlers, led by skipper Anamul Haque Bijoy, put on a stellar display in the field. Left-arm spinner Sunzamul Haque was the standout performer, claiming three crucial wickets. He dismissed openers Rony Talukdar and Paul Stirling in consecutive overs, setting the tone for Rajshahi's defence.

Sylhet's Zakir Hasan (39 off 28) and George Munsey (20 off 22) offered some resistance with a 58-run partnership. However, a brilliant diving catch by Bijoy at short third-man ended Zakir's innings, swinging the momentum firmly in Rajshahi's favour. Sunzamul struck again, removing Aaron Jones, while Mrittunjoy Chowdhury's double strike left Sylhet reeling at 101 for 7.

Jaker Ali provided a late flourish with a 20-ball 31, but Bijoy's sharp fielding once again came to the fore as he held on to another crucial catch, sealing Sylhet's fate. The Strikers were bowled out for 119, ensuring a comprehensive victory for Rajshahi.

Earlier in the day, Rajshahi's innings began shakily as Sylhet's Nahidul Islam removed both openers Mohammad Haris (19) and Jishan Alam (20). However, Anamul Haque Bijoy and Ryan Burl steadied the ship with a quickfire 35-run stand off just 15 deliveries.

Anamul's 22-ball 32 kept the scoreboard ticking before Ruyel Miah dismissed him. Burl (41 off 27) and Yasir Ali (19 off 10) then added 38 runs in 26 balls to maintain the momentum. Though Nihaduzzaman accounted for both batters, Akbar Ali's late contributions (14 off 15) ensured Rajshahi posted a competitive total.

Speaking after the match, Sunzamul Haque opened up on the team's payment challenges and their resolve on the field.

"Payment is, of course, necessary for us. Today, we had four international players, giving us a full-strength, balanced side. Everyone executed their roles perfectly, which is why we were able to win," Sunzamul explained.

He also confirmed that the team's payment issues had been resolved, easing the pressure on the players.

"On the field, we come to play, and at that moment, we must forget everything else. However, since we have received the payment, the pressure has been relieved, and we have tried our best to play."

While satisfied with the win, Sunzamul highlighted the need for better resources. "Our own kit bags are certainly something we would request, but whether the owners will provide that is up to them. I cannot say for certain," he added.

Things may be resolved for now, and Bangladesh cricket fans will hope that these issues don't rear their ugly head again in this edition of the BPL.