Khulna Tigers Began Their BPL Campaign on Perfect Note

Khulna Tigers earned a four-wicket win over Chattogram Challengers to start their Bangladesh Premier League, country’s lone franchise-based T20 tournament,  campaign on a perfect note at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday.

Chattogram suffered their first defeat in the ongoing BPL after batsmen faced the wrath of Nahidul Islam’s brilliant bowling as the off-spinner claimed 4-12 while Khulna’s Pakistani recruit Faheem Ashraf also chipped in 3-20 as they were bowled out for 121 runs in 19.5 overs. Chattogram’s number eight batsman Shohidul Islam made the highest 40 off 31 balls.

Khulna, in reply, lost three early wickets of Evin Lewis (12), Anamul Haque (nine) and Shai Hope (nine) to get reduced to 32-3 before Mahmudul Hasan Joy (39) and Afif Hossain (26) put up 46 runs to bring their side back in the run chase.

Faheem then made an unbeaten 15 off eight balls to steer Khulna to 122-6 in 18.2 overs to confirm his side’s winning start in the tournament.

Shohidul and Al-Amin Hossain took two wickets each for Chattogram.

Chattogram earlier won their opening game against Sylhet Strikers by seven wickets at the same venue on Friday.