Noakhali limited to 124 runs against Rajshahi

Noakhali Express failed to build a big total in the second match of the day in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) today (Monday) due to the devastating bowling of Ripon Mondal. Batting first against Rajshahi Warriors at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Haider Ali's team scored 124 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Rajshahi needs 125 runs to win.

Noakhali Express entered the field today without regular captain Saikat Ali. After winning the toss, the Rajshahi captain invited Noakhali to bat. Coming out to bat, Noakhali faced the onslaught of Rajshahi bowlers from the beginning. Especially the young pacer Ripon Mondal was unstoppable. He took 4 important wickets for just 13 runs in his quota of 4 overs. Besides, Tanjim Hasan Shakib took 2 wickets and Hussain Talat and Binura Fernando took 1 wicket each.

Habibur Rahman Sohan and Maj Sadaqat made an opening partnership of 18 runs. However, after Sohan departed for 5 runs, they lost wickets at regular intervals. Noakhali, who scored 42 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the power-play, could not make any big partnership later. Acting captain Haider Ali played the highest innings of 33 runs for the team. Besides, Mahidul Islam Ankan scored 22 runs from 27 balls and opener Maj Sadaqat scored 25 runs. In the end, Noakhali was able to reach 124 runs, relying on Mehedi Hasan Rana's unbeaten 11 runs.

Ripon Mondal took 4 wickets for Rajshahi, losing only 13 runs. Tanjim Hasan Shakib took 2 wickets. Hussain Talat and Binura Fernando took 1 wicket each.