Sylhet secure eight-run victory over Khulna to make it two wins in a row
After a poor start to the tournament, which saw them lose their first three matches, Sylhet turned their fortunes around with back-to-back victories, the first coming against Dhaka Capitals on 10 January.
Sylhet Strikers edged out Khulna Tigers by eight runs on 12 January to claim their second consecutive win in the Bangladesh Premier League.
After a poor start to the tournament, which saw them lose their first three matches, Sylhet turned their fortunes around with back-to-back victories, the first coming against Dhaka Capitals on 10 January.
Sylhet, batting first, posted a competitive 182 runs, courtesy of stellar performances from Rony Talukdar and Zakir Hasan. In response, Khulna were restricted to 174 runs, falling just short of the target.
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Sylhet now sit on four points after five matches, with two victories to their name.
Opting to bat first at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, the hosts had a shaky start, losing opener Rahkeem Cornwall for just 4 runs in the second over. George Munsey followed shortly, departing for 2 as Sylhet slumped to 15-2. However, Rony Talukdar and Zakir Hasan stabilised the innings with a brilliant 106-run partnership off 62 balls.
Rony was dismissed for a well-made 56 off 44 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Zakir, however, continued to dominate, remaining unbeaten on 75 off 46 deliveries. His knock featured four sixes and five boundaries. Despite quick dismissals of Aaron Jones, who contributed a quickfire 20, and Zakir Ali, who was bowled for a golden duck, Sylhet managed to post a strong total.
Chasing 183, Khulna Tigers started cautiously, with openers Mohammad Naim and William Bosisto adding 17 runs for the first wicket. However, Naim was bowled for 11, and Imrul Kayes followed soon after, managing just 2 runs. William Bosisto held one end steady with 43 off 40 balls, but lacked support as wickets fell regularly.
Afghan batsman Darwish Rasooli managed a quick 15, while captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored 15 before falling to pressure. Mohammad Nawaz provided late resistance with a blazing 33 off 18 balls, but his dismissal in the penultimate over dashed Khulna's hopes.
With 19 runs needed off the final over, Mahidul Islam Ankon's valiant 28 off 16 balls ended in disappointment as he was run out. Khulna's innings concluded on 174-9, handing Sylhet an eight-run victory.
Sylhet's bowlers delivered under pressure, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Reece Topley, and Robiul Haque taking two wickets each. Nasum Ahmed and Nahidul Islam contributed with key breakthroughs.
Zakir Hasan's consistency has been a standout feature in the tournament so far. With 226 runs in five matches, including three fifties, he leads the list of top run-scorers this season.
