Chattogram Kings Secure Dominant Victory Over Khulna Tigers
What Chattogram Kings’ coach Shaun Tait said before the match about the outcome and Graham Clark’s batting came true in spectacular fashion on the field.
In their first meeting, Khulna Tigers defeated Chattogram in Mirpur. However, before the return clash in Chattogram, Tait dismissed that loss in a TV interview, saying, “That match doesn’t count. It was our first game, and we weren’t prepared. Today, we are ready, and we will win—no doubt about it.” True to his words, his team delivered with precision, defeating Khulna Tigers by 45 runs to kick off the Chattogram phase in style.
Tait had also highlighted one player in that interview—Graham Clark. Though a known name in English cricket, Clark was relatively unknown in the subcontinent and hadn’t played in any overseas leagues before. The 31-year-old had performed well in his first three matches for Chattogram, prompting Tait to remark, “I’ve seen him in Durham, and that’s why I brought him here. This tournament is a great opportunity for players like him who are less familiar in this region.”
Clark proved his coach right by smashing a brilliant century, powering Chattogram Kings to a commanding total of 200. Khulna never really put up a fight in the chase.
A Strong Comeback After Early Setbacks
Chattogram’s campaign has been impressive, especially after losing their first game against Khulna. They’ve now secured four consecutive wins, while Khulna has suffered four straight defeats after winning their opening two matches.
Clark’s 101 off 50 balls, featuring 7 fours and 6 sixes, marked his second T20 century. He has amassed 240 runs in this tournament so far, averaging 60 with a strike rate of 171.42.
Match Highlights
Despite losing their dependable opener Usman Khan early for 13, Clark and Parvez Hossain stitched together a match-defining 128-run partnership off 63 balls. Parvez scored 39 off 29 balls with 4 sixes, supporting Clark’s explosive innings.
Clark reached his second consecutive fifty off just 27 balls and completed his century in 38 deliveries, showing remarkable aggression against Khulna’s bowlers. His departure in the 16th over slowed the scoring rate, as Chattogram managed only 10 runs in the last two overs. Nonetheless, their total of 200/7 proved more than enough.
Bowling Brilliance
Chattogram’s bowlers dominated from the start. Pacer Shariful Islam and Syed Khaled Ahmed struck early, reducing Khulna to 3 wickets for 29 runs in the powerplay. Left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny shone with figures of 3/25, while Khaled and Shariful bagged two wickets each.
Despite some resistance from Darwish Rasooli (37) and Mohammad Nawaz (25), Khulna could only manage 155/9 in their 20 overs, handing Chattogram a comfortable 45-run victory.
Match Summary :
Clark’s Century: 101 off 50 balls (7 fours, 6 sixes)
Partnership: Clark and Parvez added 128 runs off 63 balls for the second wicket.
Bowling Heroes: Arafat Sunny (3/25), Khaled Ahmed (2/26), and Shariful Islam (2/30).
Result: Chattogram Kings won by 45 runs.
Man of the Match: Graham Clark
