Anamul Haque Bijoy’s Century in Vain as Rajshahi Falls Short by 7 Runs

Despite his valiant effort to score a century, Anamul Haque Bijoy couldn’t lead his team to victory. In a high-scoring match of 411 runs, Durbar Rajshahi suffered a narrow 7-run defeat to Khulna Tigers. Bijoy faced the challenge of scoring 17 runs in the final over but fell short. The batter, though proud of his century, appeared dejected during the post-match press conference.

Reflecting on his innings, Bijoy remarked,

“Honestly, there’s nothing special to say about my innings. I was focusing on how close I could take the match and keeping track of the required run rate. While batting, I was determined to stay on the wicket and play according to the situation. There was a catch dropped by Afif, and I could have been out 6-7 times. But perhaps Allah wanted me to continue, which is why I was able to score big. Winning the match would have brought unparalleled joy. Matches like these are a batter’s dream, the kind where you single-handedly secure a victory. Every player hopes to achieve that in 5-6 games during their career. Then I could have summarized my innings with satisfaction. A century is a nice number, but there will always be regret.”

Bijoy showcased an attacking display, hitting shots in all directions of the ground and frequently employing reverse sweeps. He credited his hard work and the contributions of several people behind the scenes for his performance.

“Yes, yes, the innings you see on the field are the result of countless contributions. From ball boys to coaches, throwers, and close acquaintances, their efforts cannot be thanked enough. From early morning practice, whether it’s a 360-degree shot or an unorthodox one, these create opportunities for batters. When I can execute cover drives, pulls, and straight shots, I think about how to find boundaries after the powerplay. I want to thank my coach and a close friend for their constant support and positivity. I dedicate this century to two of my favorites—Biplob Bhai and my friend Masud—who always inspire me.”

Anamul Haque Bijoy is now the top scorer for Durbar Rajshahi, but personal records hold little importance for him. He emphasized the value of contributing to the team, citing an example of Nurul Hasan Sohan’s crucial finishing innings in a previous match.

“Being the top scorer doesn’t always mean everything. Take Nurul Hasan Sohan as an example—he didn’t score 100 runs, but his contribution was massive. It’s all about making a difference at the right time. Even 10 runs off 5 balls can matter for the team. As I grow and gain experience, I’m learning how to win games for the team. Small innings can become very important. The team is trying hard, but we fell short today. That’s life.”