Sylhet Strikers Secure Second Win, Hand Khulna Tigers Another Defeat
Despite some late drama, Sylhet Strikers managed to clinch an 8-run victory over Khulna Tigers, marking their second consecutive win in the BPL.
Sylhet appeared to be cruising toward an easy win as Khulna needed 45 runs from 15 balls with only three wickets in hand. However, the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket came alive as Mahidul Islam Ankon and Abu Hider Rony turned the game on its head. With two consecutive boundaries in the final over, Abu Hider brought Khulna within touching distance of victory. But bowler Reuel Miah held his nerve, delivering three crucial balls to seal the win, sparking celebrations among the Sylhet fans.
A Strong Start for Sylhet
On Sunday, Sylhet Strikers continued their winning streak at home by overcoming Khulna Tigers, who suffered their second loss of the tournament.
Sylhet’s strong total of 182 runs was built after a slow start. By the seventh over, their score was only 30 runs. But a shift in momentum saw Zakir Hasan and Rony Talukdar drive up the run rate. Zakir’s unbeaten 75 runs earned him the “Man of the Match” title for the second time in a row.
The Slow Start
Winning the toss, Khulna opted to bowl. Sylhet’s opening batters seemed cautious, managing only 21 runs in the powerplay while losing two wickets. Rahkeem Cornwall (4) and George Munsey (2) departed early, leaving Sylhet struggling.
Middle-Order Heroics
After the powerplay, the pace picked up as Zakir and Rony started to dominate. Zakir’s consecutive sixes off Nasum Ahmed signaled the start of an aggressive phase. Both batters added quick runs, with Zakir scoring his third fifty of the tournament off just 29 balls. Rony followed with a 39-ball fifty. Their 106-run partnership ended with Rony’s dismissal for 56 runs.
Aaron Jones added to the total with a 6-ball cameo of 20 runs, while Zakir remained unbeaten on 75 off 46 balls, including six sixes and three fours.
Khulna’s Chase Falls Short
Chasing 183, Khulna’s top-order failed to fire. Mohammad Naim Sheikh (11), Imrul Kayes (2), and Darwish Rasooli (15) fell cheaply, leaving Khulna struggling. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz couldn’t make an impact either, and Australian batter William Bosisto’s 43 off 40 balls lacked the firepower needed.
It was Mohammad Nawaz (33 off 18) and Mahidul Islam (28 off 16) who revived Khulna’s hopes. The 19th over by Tanzim Sakib, which included a no-ball six by Mahidul, brought the equation down to 19 runs off the final over.
Abu Hider’s two boundaries at the start of the last over created tension, but Reuel Miah’s clever bowling ended Khulna’s hopes. Abu Hider was caught on the boundary, and Mahidul was run out attempting a risky single.
Match Summary:
- Sylhet Strikers: 182/5 (Zakir 75*, Rony 56; Abu Hider 2/25, Nasum 1/17)
- Khulna Tigers: 174/9 (Bosisto 43, Nawaz 33; Reuel 2/28, Topley 2/45)
Result: Sylhet Strikers won by 8 runs.
Man of the Match: Zakir Hasan
