BPL 2024: Strikers cruise home comfortably against Tigers

Dhaka, Feb. 9 — The Sylhet Strikers on Friday pulled off a fairly comfortable 5-wicket victory over the Khulna Tigers in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) encounter at Mirpur.

Opting to bat first, Khulna were anchored by an unbeaten 67 from opener and captain Anamul Haque, although questions may be raised as to whether the T20 format has room for ‘anchors’. Despite losing just three wickets, it took a late flourish from Habibur Rahman Sohan (44* off 30) to boost their score to a challenging 153/3. Yet it proved below par, and questions must be raised re

For Strikers, Sunzamul Islam, Samit Patel, and Benny Howell took a wicket each.

In reply, the Strikers lost their opener Samit Patel cheaply, putting pressure on their top order. Harry Tector, the other opener, however, played a match-winning innings. His blistering 61 from 52 deliveries included six boundaries and three towering sixes, giving the Strikers vital momentum.

Mark Deyal impressed for the Tigers, claiming 3/19, and the dismissals of Tector and Mohammad Mithun threatened to swing the result back in Khulna’s favor.

Ultimately, with nerves jangling, it was Ryan Burl (32*) and Ariful Haque (11*) who remained composed in the closing moments. They guided the Strikers home with an over to spare, sparking jubilant celebrations.

With 19 runs needed in 12 balls, experienced Rubel Hossain came in to bowl the 19th over, and conceded 24 runs to hand the match to Sylhet. The right-arm pacer conceded three sixes and one four.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from United News of Bangladesh.

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