Confidence carries Rajshahi

Noakhali Express’ disastrous run in the Bashundhara Cement Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) reached a new nadir on Thursday, as they slumped to a sixth consecutive defeat. 

A four-wicket loss to Rajshahi Warriors at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium left Noakhali winless at the bottom of the table, while Rajshahi consolidated their position in the top-three race.

Sent in to bat, Noakhali posted 151-9, anchored by Soumya Sarkar’s 59 and a 30-run contribution from Shahadat Hossain Dipu. Rajshahi chased the target with an over to spare, spearheaded by a blistering 60 from debutant Mohammad Waseem, before Ryan Burl and SM Meherob Hasan steered the side home.

Reflecting on the loss, Soumya Sarkar lamented a familiar lack of firepower. 

“The wicket was tough, but I still feel we were about 20 runs short,” Soumya admitted. 

“Our powerplay was decent, and we had a fifty partnership, but we stagnated in the middle overs. That is where we lost the match.”

Soumya clarified that the cautious approach was a response to the conditions rather than fragile confidence. 

“The wicket was slow and slightly sticky. There was no real pace, and at times, it offered double bounce.”

He also acknowledged that Noakhali’s search for a winning formula remains elusive. 

“Our batters haven’t clicked as a unit. We almost always lose three wickets in the powerplay and fail to post a competitive total. When you are losing, nothing seems to go in your favour.”

In stark contrast, Rajshahi debutant Mohammad Waseem attributed his success to momentum gathered abroad. 

“I’m very happy to contribute. Playing in the ILT20 alongside world-class players helped me significantly; I utilised those lessons today,” Waseem noted.

Waseem suggested that conditions became more favourable as the day progressed. 

“It was difficult early on due to the morning dew, but after 10 overs, the surface improved. Our bowlers performed brilliantly in the death overs, and once we established a good start in the chase, we carried that confidence through.”