Khulna: Khulna Tigers snapped their four-match losing streak in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with a hard-fought 7-run victory over Durbar Rajshahi at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium today. Half-centuries from William Bosisto and Afif Hossain steered Khulna Tigers to 209-4, but Rajshahi responded aggressively, making them the favorites for a victory, thanks to Captain Anamul Haque Bijoy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, with 17 runs needed for victory in the last over, Bijoy, who was on 91, struck a four on the first ball and then took two to reach 97. However, he managed just three runs in the last four balls, allowing him to complete his first century in BPL and third in T20s, but costing his side the game. Rajshahi eventually fell short, being held back to 202-4, losing the high-scoring game with Bijoy on 57-ball 100 after hitting nine fours and five sixes.
Opener Jishan Alam’s rapid 15-ball 30 gave Rajshahi the quick start required to chase a big total. Bijoy, who came to bat at the No. 3 position, attacked in style to keep Rajshahi ahead in terms of the asking run rate. Bijoy stitched two crucial partnerships, scoring 58 with Yasir Ali, who made 20, and a 73-run stand with Ryan Burl, who was dismissed in the penultimate over after scoring a 16-ball 25.
Bijoy slowed down as he neared his century, which ultimately hindered Rajshahi’s chances. Hasan Mahmud, who defended 17 runs in the last over, was the most successful bowler for Khulna, taking 2-25 in four overs.
Earlier, Australian recruit Bosisto made a team-high 55 off 37 with four fours and one six, while Afif hammered 56 off 42, clattering three fours and as many sixes to script Khulna’s third victory in the ongoing BPL. The duo shared a 113-run partnership for the third wicket to set the platform, after which Mahidul Islam Ankon lived up to his reputation as a finisher by plundering 12-ball 30 not out, smiting four sixes in his knock.
Electing to bat first, Khulna got a solid start through Naim Sheikh and their captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who promoted himself to the opening slot. Miraz struck a quick 26 off 13, while Naim, the first to fall as Jishan Alam’s victim, made 27 off 14. An over later, Taskin Ahmed dismissed Mehidy, and new Australian recruit Alex Ross was trapped run out for 1, which initially pegged back their innings. However, Afif and Bosisto’s big partnership helped the side comfortably surpass 200.