Perera’s century in vain as Khulna hands Dhaka a third straight loss

Dhaka Capitals suffered their third consecutive defeat in the Bangladesh Premier League, falling short by 20 runs against Khulna Tigers despite a stunning unbeaten century from captain Thisara Perera.

Chasing a target of 174, Dhaka could only reach 153 for six, leaving them stuck at sixth in the points table, while Khulna secured their second win and climbed to second place.

Sent in to bat, Khulna started strongly with a 49-run opening partnership between Naim Sheikh and William Bosisto. Naim's brisk 30 off 17 balls gave the innings early momentum, but the middle order crumbled under pressure, with Afif Hossain, Ibrahim Zadran, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Mohammad Nawaz all dismissed for single-digit scores.

At 93 for six, Khulna were in trouble, but Mahidul Ankon's 32 off 22 and Ziaur Rahman's 22 off 15 steadied the innings.

The final flourish came from Abu Hider Rony, who smashed 21 off eight balls in the last over, lifting Khulna to a competitive total of 173 for eight.

In response, Dhaka's innings began disastrously. Khulna captain Miraz produced a sensational spell, dismissing Litton Das and Steven Eskinazi in consecutive deliveries.

His figures of 4-1-6-3 left Dhaka reeling at 41 for six as the top order collapsed. Abu Hider Rony and Ziaur Rahman added to the damage with crucial wickets, ensuring Dhaka never found their footing.

Amid the wreckage, Perera staged a lone fightback. He started cautiously but accelerated with two sixes and a four off Rony's over.

Perera reached his half-century in 39 balls and his century in just 60, hitting nine fours and seven sixes.

Dropped twice, on 69 and 85, he remained unbeaten on 103, a career-best T20 performance. However, his heroic effort was not enough to rescue Dhaka from defeat.