Taskin’s record spell and fifties from Anamul and Burl secure Rajshahi’s emphatic win

Durbar Rajshahi secured their first win of the Bangladesh Premier League season with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Dhaka Capitals on 2 January at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Despite setting a competitive target of 175, Dhaka's bowlers had no answer to Rajshahi's composed chase, powered by half-centuries from Anamul Haque and Ryan Burl, and Taskin Ahmed's record-breaking spell.

Dhaka's decision to bat first after winning the toss did not pay off as their innings began disastrously. Litton Das departed for a duck after facing just five balls, and his opening partner Tanzid Tamim managed only nine runs from ten deliveries. With the Capitals reeling at 12 for 2, Shahadat Hossain and Stephen Eskinazi attempted to steady the innings. Eskinazi looked set for a big score but fell short of a half-century, dismissed for 46 off 29 balls.

Skipper Thisara Perera added some quick runs, smashing 21 off nine deliveries before being caught at the boundary. Shahadat anchored the innings, reaching his fifty off 41 balls, while late contributions from Alauddin Babu (13), Mukidul Islam (0), and Ranji (24) helped Dhaka reach a competitive 174 for nine.

Taskin Ahmed was the standout performer with the ball, delivering a record-breaking spell of 7 for 18, which dismantled the Dhaka batting line-up. Mohor Sheikh and Hasan Murad chipped in with a wicket each to support Taskin's heroics.

Rajshahi's chase began nervously as they lost Haris for 12 in the opening over and Jiran Alam for a duck, leaving them at 30 for 2. However, Anamul Haque and Yasir Ali steadied the ship. Both batsmen were given lifelines after dropped catches, but Yasir failed to capitalise and was dismissed for 22 off 20 balls.

Ryan Burl joined Anamul at the crease and launched an aggressive counter-attack. Anamul reached his fifty off 35 balls, making the most of his reprieve when Nazmul Hasan Apu dropped him on 30. Burl matched his partner's intent, racing to his fifty in just 31 deliveries.

Anamul eventually fell after a stellar knock of 73 off 46 balls, but Burl remained unbeaten with 55 from 33 deliveries. Their partnership ensured Rajshahi crossed the target with 12 balls and seven wickets to spare, marking their first victory of the season.

Dhaka's bowlers struggled to make an impact, with Mustafizur Rahman, Mukidul Islam, and Alauddin Babu each taking a solitary wicket