Strikers Comfortably Secure Victory Against Tigers In BPL 2024 Match

In the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) clash at Mirpur on Friday, the Sylhet Strikers secured a relatively comfortable five-wicket win over the Khulna Tigers. Khulna, choosing to bat first, saw their innings anchored by an unbeaten 67 from opener and captain Anamul Haque. However, there are doubts about the suitability of ‘anchors’ in the fast-paced T20 format. Despite losing only three wickets, Khulna’s total of 153/3 received a late boost from Habibur Rahman Sohan’s quickfire 44* off 30 deliveries. Nonetheless, it fell short, raising questions about their batting performance.

The Strikers’ bowlers Sunzamul Islam, Samit Patel, and Benny Howell each claimed a wicket. Although the Strikers lost their opener Samit Patel early, putting pressure on their batting lineup, Harry Tector played a crucial innings. Tector’s aggressive 61 off 52 balls, comprising six boundaries and three towering sixes, provided the Strikers with crucial momentum.

Mark Deyal impressed for the Tigers, taking 3/19, and the dismissals of Tector and Mohammad Mithun threatened to sway the match in Khulna’s favour. However, it was Ryan Burl (32*) and Ariful Haque (11*) who maintained their composure in the tense final moments, guiding the Strikers to victory with an over to spare amid jubilant celebrations.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 19th over when experienced Rubel Hossain was brought in to bowl for Khulna. However, he conceded 24 runs, including three sixes and one four, allowing Sylhet to clinch the win.