SYS vs RAJ (36th Match) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 36th match of the Bangladesh Premier League 2025, held under the lights at Mirpur on January 27. The game featured SYS taking on RAJ in a low-scoring yet intense encounter. The Strikers, batting first, struggled to put up a competitive total, managing only 117/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite the challenging pitch, Rajshahi displayed composure and efficiency in their chase, comfortably reaching 121/5 in just 16.5 overs, securing a convincing victory by 5 wickets with 19 balls to spare.
SyS, after being sent in to bat, struggled against Rajshahi’s disciplined bowling attack. Early setbacks saw Samiullah Shinwari and Ariful Haque depart in quick succession, leaving the Strikers at 17/2 in just 3.4 overs. Zakir Hasan attempted to anchor the innings with a steady 24 off 25 balls but lacked adequate support as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Sajjadul Haque was dismissed for a duck, and Jaker Ali contributed a modest 17 before falling to SM Meherob, who delivered an exceptional spell.
Ahsan Bhatti provided some resistance in the middle order with a spirited knock of 25 from 21 balls, which included two sixes. However, Meherob’s outstanding bowling spell of 4/15 in 4 overs dismantled the Strikers’ batting lineup. Mrittunjoy Chowdhury also impressed with figures of 3/33, including the crucial wickets of Shinwari and Ariful Haque.
Towards the end, Sumon Khan’s quickfire 20 off 11 balls helped Sylhet post a modest total of 117/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Rajshahi’s bowling unit, led by Meherob and supported by Taskin Ahmed and Aftab Alam, maintained excellent control throughout the innings, applying constant pressure on the Strikers.
Chasing a target of 118, Durbar Rajshahi had a shaky start as Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Jon-Russ Jaggesar wreaked havoc with the ball. Sabbir Hossain and Anamul Haque were dismissed cheaply, while Jishan Alam’s quick 11 off 6 balls ended with him falling to Jaggesar. Rajshahi found themselves in trouble at 22/4 in the fourth over, with Sylhet’s bowlers sensing an opportunity for an upset.
However, Akbar Ali and Ryan Burl stitched a crucial partnership to rescue the innings. Akbar played a steady hand, scoring 43 off 38 balls, anchoring the chase and rotating the strike effectively. Burl, on the other hand, counterattacked brilliantly with an unbeaten 48 off 34 balls, smashing five boundaries and two sixes to accelerate the scoring rate. The duo added 75 runs for the fifth wicket, taking the game away from Sylhet’s grasp.
Although Akbar Ali fell in the 15th over, Burl ensured there were no further hiccups, finishing the chase with support from Meherob. Rajshahi reached the target in 16.5 overs, securing a comfortable 5-wicket victory with 19 balls to spare. The match highlighted SM Meherob’s all-round brilliance and Ryan Burl’s composure under pressure, marking a memorable performance for RAJ.
Sylhet Strikers vs Durbar Rajshahi Scoreboard
Sylhet Strikers– 117/9
Durbar Rajshahi– 121/5(16.5/20)
Result – Rajshahi won by 5 wickets (with 19 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – SM Meherob
SYS vs RAJ Playing XI
Sylhet Strikers
Samiullah Shinwari, Ariful Haque(C), Zakir Hasan(WK), Sajjadul Haque, Jaker Ali, Ahsan Bhatti, Kadeem Alleyne, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Sumon Khan, Ruyel Miah
Durbar Rajshahi
Jishan Alam, Sabbir Hossain, Anamul Haque, Yasir Ali, Akbar Ali(WK), Ryan Burl, SM Meherob, Taskin Ahmed(C), Sunzamul Islam, Aftab Alam, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury
Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.