Muktar takes Chattogram to 144-6

Chattogram Challengers have ended on 144-6 in their match against Khulna Tigers in the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 2019. 

Muktar top-scored for Chattogram with 29 whereas Robbie Frylinck, Aminul Islam, Shafiul Islam and Shahidul Islam picked up one wicket each. 

Chattogram started their innings well but lost too many wickets in the middle which almost saw them ending on a small total, but a late flourish from Muktar Ali ensured that they reach a fighting total. 

Winning the toss, Khulna skipper Mushfiqur Rahim invited Chattogram to bat first. Chattogram had one change to their side, Lendl Simmons replacing Ryan Burl. 

Chattogram were off to a good start as their opening pair added 45 runs before Shafiul Islam went through Simmons' defences to break the stand. They were dealt with another blow soon when Shahidul Islam picked up Chadwick Walton to reduce Chattogram to 49-2. 

The hero for Chattogram in the last match, Imrul Kayes, did not last long either as he was run out for 12. 

Nurul Hasan Sohan and Nasir Hossain looked to steady the ship for the portsiders with a 37-run stand, but that too was broken courtesy of some agile fielding from Nazmul Hossain Shanto. Shanto covered his ground quickly and sent in a pinpoint throw to see Nurul come short and getting back to the hut for 19.

Nasir went back in the very next over for 24 when he gave leg-spinner Aminul Islam Biplob an easy return catch to see his side reduce to 109-5. 

Protea allrounder Robbie Frylinck sent Chattogram skipper Rayad Emrit back in the 18th over which almost diminished Chattogram's hope for reaching a fighting total. 

But a late cameo from Muktar Ali saw Chattogram pass the 140-hurdle to end up on 144-6. 

Muktar stayed unbeaten on 29 off 14 deliveries. 

Brief score: 

Chattogram Challengers: 144-6 (Muktar 29*, Simmons 26, Nasir 24, Frylinck 1-21, Aminul 1-25, Shafiul 1-30)