Khulna Tigers Triumph as Dhaka Capitals Falter Despite Perera’s Heroics
It was more of a battle between the Khulna Tigers and Thisara Perera than two cricket teams. After losing six wickets within the first 10 overs, Dhaka Capitals’ captain single-handedly kept his team alive. Although he walked off unbeaten with a brilliant century, his team still fell short.
Chasing 174, Dhaka could only manage 153 runs, falling 20 runs short despite a world-record seventh-wicket stand. Perera’s unbeaten 103 off 60 balls, studded with 9 fours and 7 sixes, was a valiant effort, but Dhaka’s poor start left too much to overcome.
Khulna’s Dominance
The Tigers completed this phase with two wins out of two, while Dhaka heads to Sylhet after losing all three of their matches in Dhaka.
Khulna’s innings had a promising start with Mohammad Naim Sheikh scoring 30 off 17 balls in an opening stand of 49 runs in just 29 balls. However, Naim’s dismissal by Chaturanga de Silva triggered a collapse. Within the next 8 overs, Khulna lost six wickets, with key batters like Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Afif Hossain, Ibrahim Zadran, and Mohammad Nawaz failing to reach double digits.
Mahidul-Zia Partnership Revives Khulna
Mahidul Islam and Ziaur Rahman steadied the ship with a crucial 43-run partnership off 29 balls. Mahidul contributed 32 off 22, while Zia scored 22 off 15. Towards the end, Abu Hider Rony smashed three sixes in the final over, helping Khulna reach a competitive 173/8.
Miraz’s Magic
Miraz delivered a masterclass in economical bowling, taking 3 wickets for just 6 runs in his 4 overs, including a maiden. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Dhaka’s Disastrous Start
In reply, Dhaka’s top order crumbled. They lost four wickets in the powerplay and six by the 10th over, leaving them at 41/6. Litton Das managed only 2 runs, while the likes of Stephen Eskinazi, Shahadat Hossain, and Shuvam failed to reach double digits. Tanzid Hasan’s 19 off 15 was the only notable contribution at the top.
Miraz was the wrecker-in-chief, picking up three wickets for just 2 runs in his first three overs. Abu Hider chipped in with two wickets as well.
Perera’s Lone Battle
With his team in disarray, Perera took charge. Along with Chaturanga de Silva, he added an unbeaten 112 runs for the seventh wicket, setting a new record for the highest seventh-wicket stand in T20s. Perera shifted gears in the last six overs, smashing bowlers all around the park.
He reached his fifty off 39 balls and accelerated to his century in just 21 more deliveries. On the last ball of the match, he drove straight for a boundary to complete his maiden T20 century. Despite his heroic efforts, Dhaka still fell short of the target.
Match Summary:
- Khulna Tigers: Abu Hider (21* off 8), Mahidul (32 off 22), Miraz (4-1-6-3).
- Dhaka Capitals: Perera (103* off 60), Tanzid (19 off 15), Miraz (3 wickets for 6 runs in 4 overs).
Result: Khulna Tigers won by 20 runs.
Player of the Match: Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
