Bangabandhu Cup T20 Tournament 2020 
14th Match. Gemcon Khulna Vs Minister Group Rajshahi 
Played at SMNCS Dhaka on 6 December 2020 
Brief Scorecard:
Gemcon Khulna 146/5 in 19.1 Overs (Jahurul Islam 40, Mahmudullah Raid 31*, Imrul Kayes 27) beat Minister Group Rajshahi 145/5 (Nazmul Hossain Shanto 55, Nurul Hasan 37) by 5 Wickets. 

Captain Mahmudullah batting responsibly brought for him a hard earned third win in a row in a tight match against Rajshahi in yet another match where Super Star, leading all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan failed with the bat scoring only 4 runs. 

In tight situation when 21 runs were required for the win in the last two overs Mahmudullah knocked it off in brilliant fashion. 15 runs were taken in the 19 over of Saifuddin (returned after injury for the first time in this match) . Earlier batting first Rajshai posted 145/5 riding on useful 55 of Captain Najmul and 37 from Nurul Hasan. Khulna was in desperate situation as Jahurul (40), Imrul (27), Shakib (4) and Shamim (7) getting out in quick succession.  Star studded Khulna is struggling, still winning matches in trot has kept the winning momentum going. On the other hand, fourth defeat in a row has created headaches for the Rajshahi. On the day they dropped their star batsman Ashraful for his continued failures, yet luck did not change. They now have to win both their remaining matches to stay in the tournament. 

Earlier Rajshahi batting first posted a reasonably defendable score of 145/5 in the context of the low scoring nature of Bangabandhu T20 tournament. 

Captain Shanto yet again led the charge scoring 55 in 38 deliveries. But none others in the top or middle order could do much. At 93/5 Rajshahi was looking down the barrel when Nurul Hasan with Zaher Ali coming in place of Ashraful adding valuable 52 in the unfinished 6th wicket partnership gave some respectability to Rajshahi innings. 

When Khulna came to chase entire country was waiting and watching with intent whether Shakib can rediscover his form. Khulna could sort out opening partnership Zahurul Omi and Zaker Hasan. But Shakib’s awful form with the bat dragged on. Jahurul scored 40, Imrul 27. But Shakib’s drags a ball of Saifuddin from outside the off stump had his furniture disturbed scoring only 4.  Failing in six matches on the trot Shakib has become a luxury now for the team. With scores of 15,12, 3,11, 14 and 4 Shakib scored only 59 in 6 matches. In bowling also giving away 103 has taken only 3 wickets. By any stretch of imagination, it is very distressing for a player of Shakib’s caliber.

However, Khulna is winning. They have something more to rejoice, as Mashrafi Bin Murtaza returning from injury would now appear for them as they won him through lottery.

On the other hand, matters look gloomy for Rajshahi. They cannot afford to lose any more match as after winning two they have already lost four in succession.

BDST: 1122 HRS, DEC 07, 2020
SMS