Khulna Tigers won chasing a big total set by Minister Group Dhaka in the second match of the Eighth Edition of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Earlier, Khulna Tigers captain Mushfiqur Rahim won the toss and elected to bowl first. The match took place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. In the end of the first innings, Dhaka put on a big total of 183 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Khulna left the field with a victory riding on superb batting by Andre Fletcher, Rony Talukdar and Thisara Perera.
Good opening partnership by Tamim and Shehjad
The opening partnership of Tamim Iqbal and Mohammad Shahzad of Dhaka contributed 69 runs to the scoreboard. While Shahzad performed the main responsibility of the attack, Tamim gave him support from the opposite end. In the end, Shahzad got run out before collecting 42 runs off 27 balls. Even though Tamim picked up 50 off 42 balls, it was Mohammad Mahmudullah who flourished Dhaka Innings with 39 off just 20 balls.
Freaky run out of Andre Russell
As usual, Andre Russell came to the crease and hit a big six, but he fell victim to an incredible runout. Russell went to take the single after playing a ball to the third man. Mahedi Hasan’s throw from the short third man struck the stumps directly at the striking end and swerved to the non-striking end, breaking the stumps. Mahmudullah was safe on the other side but Russell was run out at the non-striking end.
Khulna scored 65 runs in the first power play
A wonderful reply from batters helped Khulna Tigers won chasing a big total of 184 runs. Even though they lost an early wicket of Tanzid Hasan in the second over of their innings, Andre Fletcher and Rony Talukdar made a 72 run second-wicket partnership, helping them to chase the total convincingly. Fletcher fired 45 off just 23 balls while Talukdar scoring 61 off 42 balls anchored Khulna innings.
A late cameo by Perera
Khulna needed 45 runs to win in the last 5 overs. The equation was not very difficult. However, a late cameo by Perera made it easier for Khulna. He was unbeaten with 36 off 18 balls.
– Gamerz Lodge
Catch latest cricket updates here.