Capitals seal runs galore thriller against Strikers

In a thrilling encounter at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, the Dhaka Capitals edged out the Sylhet Strikers by a narrow margin of six runs in the 27th match of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024-25 on Monday. This victory marked only the second win for the Capitals this
season.

Opting to bat first, the Capitals posted a formidable total of 196 for six in their allotted 20 overs despite an early setback when Tanzid Hasan Tamim departed after a brisk 22 off 16 balls. Quick dismissals of JP Kotze (9) and Mosaddek Hossain Saikat (4) placed the Capitals on the back foot briefly. However, the situation was well-managed by Litton Das, Sabbir Rahman and skipper Thisara Perera.
Litton and Sabbir built a steady 42-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Sabbir's departure for 24. Litton and Perera then added an 81-run stand steering the Capitals to a competitive position. Litton's well-crafted innings of 70 off 48 deliveries featuring four boundaries and an equal number of sixes ended at a critical juncture. Perera provided a late flourish with an explosive 37 off just 17 balls propelling the team to a challenging total.

For the Strikers, Tipu Sultan and Samiullah Shinwari were the standout bowlers claiming two wickets each, while Sumon Khan and Ruyel Miah chipped in with one wicket apiece.

In response, the Strikers began their chase with intent, but early setbacks saw George Munsey (3) and Zakir Hasan (8) dismissed cheaply. Rony Talukdar however, led the charge with a fluent 68 off 44 balls striking nine boundaries. Aaron Jones contributed 36, while captain Ariful Haque provided a late surge with 29 off 13 balls. Zakir Hasan added 28 off as many deliveries and Shinwari chipped in with 12 off four balls. Despite their efforts, regular wickets at crucial junctures disrupted the chase and the Strikers fell short finishing at 190 for seven.

The Capitals' bowlers led by Perera and Mustafizur Rahman, who took two wickets each, applied consistent pressure. Mosaddek and Mukidul Islam Mugdha supported well claiming one wicket apiece.

Dhaka's captain Thisara Perera was deservedly named the Player of the Match for his stellar all-round performance which played a pivotal role in the team's victory.