Confident Khulna taking each game as it comes

Khulna Titans captain Mahmudullah believes victory in their second BPL 2017 match, against Sylhet Sixers, will boost their confidence for the upcoming matches. However, he informed that Khulna have to take each game as it comes in order to achieve success in the fifth edition of the money-spinning tournament that is turning out to be extremely competitive. Khulna beat Sylhet Wednesday at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium after the home side won their first three matches. The Titans bowlers bowled well against Sylhet, restricting the opposition’s in-form opening batting pair of Upul Tharanga and Andre Fletcher, as the host managed to post 135 in the evening game. “After winning the second match, we can start the Dhaka phase with more confidence. Although we had some pressure at the beginning, it felt good that we won the game in the end. We had the target to get the wickets of the Sylhet openers early as they scored in their previous matches. Bowlers bowled well against them and executed the plans in the middle, and thus we won the game. So credit goes to the bowlers as well,” said Mahmudullah during the post-match press conference in Sylhet Wednesday.“Obviously toss was important, particularly in night games. Bowlers’ job becomes difficult in the night because of due. Subsequently, a batsman’s job becomes easier. So winning the toss is always important,” he added. Khulna went for an extra batsman in their playing XI as Michael Klinger was selected in place of spinner Akila Dananjaya. Klinger played a crucial unbeaten innings of 47 runs off 36 balls at the No 3 position, smashing five boundaries, to ensure Khulna’s win. “The batting line-up was changed. We thought of increasing our batting depth as we were playing in the night. Spinners were not useful because of due. That’s why we chose an extra batsman to strengthen our batting department,” Mahmudullah explained. “I think we have played well as a team. I believe it’s the right combination for our team. But still we can change our team combination according to the wicket or in the instance of a day-game," he said.Khulna will play their next match against Chittagong Vikings Sunday afternoon in Dhaka’s Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium and Mahmudullah said they need to focus to continue their winning run. “Every match is important. Every team is very competitive in this tournament. Match winning will be difficult if we give any space to any team. So we have to play very well in every game,” said the Bangladesh all-rounder. The Titans arrived in the capital city Thursday and will practice in the morning session at Mirpur Academy Ground ahead of their next match.