Sylhet Strikers’ questionable batting in chasing over 200 runs against Chattogram Kings was evident as they struggled to accelerate between the 7th and 11th overs. Aaron Jones and George Munsey’s batting left many confused. In a T20 match with such a high target, it seemed they had completely forgotten the urgency to score quickly. There was no attempt for big shots or even the desire to win. In a remarkable five-over stretch, they managed just one boundary, making the already difficult target even harder. They couldn’t recover, and despite some late efforts, it was in vain.
Sylhet’s campaign ended with a loss. Chattogram Kings, after winning by 30 runs, gained more confidence for their next phase.
On Monday, at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Chattogram posted 203 runs in 20 overs. Usman Khan and Graham Clark contributed with fifties, while Haider Ali played a quick cameo towards the end.
Sylhet’s chase was restricted to 173 runs. The crucial five-over period, from the 7th to the 11th over, was particularly slow, making the target seem even more unattainable. Despite a valiant effort from Zakir Ali later, the team fell short by a considerable margin.
In Sylhet’s five matches, they lost three, securing only two wins out of six. Meanwhile, Chattogram won three out of four.
Zakir’s Brilliance and Others’ Struggles
Sylhet stumbled early in their chase, losing Paul Stirling in the second ball due to Rakheem Cornwall’s injury. The first wicket fell quickly, and despite Zakir Hasan’s brilliant counterattack, the team was unable to sustain momentum. After hitting boundaries, Zakir fell for 25 off 19 balls.
Sylhet managed 46 runs with three wickets lost in the powerplay.
The Mysterious Five Overs
After the powerplay, Aaron Jones and George Munsey’s batting completely lost its spark. There was no effort to take singles or boundaries, and the required run rate soared. Despite being aggressive batsmen by nature, they went into a slump. In those five overs, they managed only 20 runs, hitting just one boundary.
At the 11th over mark, Sylhet was 66 for 3, with Jones dismissed after scoring 15 off 18 balls, while his partnership with Munsey accumulated just 22 runs off 31 balls.
A Fruitless Attempt in the End
In the last 9 overs, Sylhet needed 138 runs. Zakir Ali provided some hope with consecutive boundaries, followed by Munsey hitting a four and a six. However, Sylhet’s total still remained a long shot. Munsey, who had earlier struggled, suddenly found his rhythm, reaching a fifty in 28 balls, but was dismissed for 52 off 37 balls.
Ariful Hossain tried hitting big shots but was dismissed quickly. Zakir played some brilliant strokes, finishing with an unbeaten 47 off 23 balls, but Sylhet couldn’t close the gap in the chase.
Disappointing Parvez
Batting first, Chattogram posted a large total. Parvez Hossain Emon, recently in the spotlight for his inclusion in the Bangladesh Champions Trophy squad, failed once again in the BPL. Despite hitting a six off Naheedul Islam’s spin, he was dismissed for just 7 runs off 10 balls.
Usman and Clark Shine Bright
Usman Khan, who had scored 123 and 55 in his previous two innings, contributed 55 runs off 35 balls. He led Chattogram’s charge in the powerplay, which saw them score 46 in six overs. Clark joined him and the two added 53 runs in the next four overs.
After Usman was dismissed for 53 runs (39 balls), Clark continued to dominate. In his previous matches, he had been dismissed for 39 and 40 runs, but this time, he scored his first BPL fifty with 60 runs from 33 balls, including five sixes.
Mithun’s Spark
Mithun also made significant contributions, adding 28 runs off 19 balls with two sixes. His partnership with Clark added 48 runs from 30 balls.
Haider’s Late Flourish
Chattogram was 152 after 16 overs, still far from 200. However, Haider Ali turned the game with his batting. He scored 19 runs in an over against Ruail Miah, hitting two fours and a six. In the final over, he hit consecutive sixes off Ruail, pushing the team past 200.
Haider needed two runs to complete his fifty on the last ball but could only manage one.
Sylhet’s chase, lacking the urgency from Jones and Munsey, never really got close to the target.
Match Summary:
- Chattogram Kings: 203/6 in 20 overs (Usman 53, Parvez 7, Clark 60, Mithun 28, Haider 42, Shamim 1, Wasim 3, Shariful 1*, Naheedul 4-0-30-1, Tanzim 4-0-38-2, Nihad Uzzaman 4-0-39-0, Ruail 4-0-48-1, Jones 1-0-16-0, Ariful 3-0-30-1).
- Sylhet Strikers: 173/8 in 20 overs (Roni 7, Stirling 0, Zakir 25, Munsey 52, Jones 15, Zakir Ali 47*, Ariful 12, Tanzim 0, Naheedul 3, Nihad Uzzaman 1*; Nabil 2-0-25-1, Shariful 4-0-34-1, Alis 4-0-36-2, Khaled 4-0-30-1, Wasim 4-0-25-3, Shamin 2-0-18-0).
Result: Chattogram Kings won by 30 runs.
Man of the Match: Graham Clark.
