Sylhet Strikers through to the first Qualifier of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20, after hammering a comprehensive six-wicket win over Khulna Tigers at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (Feb 8). Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's side finished the group phase with 18 points from 12 games to retain the top spot.
Comilla Victorians and Rangpur Riders – two of the top four teams – could finish the group stage with 18 points, however, it would be tough for both to go top, beating Sylhet by net run rate.
Khulna remained at the bottom of the table with four points from 11 matches after this defeat.
On Wednesday, Khulna showed yet another ordinary batting display in Mirpur and made only 113 for 8 – which Sylhet chased with 15 balls and six wickets to spare.
Zakir Hasan hit 50 off 46 with five fours and one six to make the chase more easy. He was supported by Mushfiqur Rahim who made 39 off 35, striking four boundaries.
The duo shared 90-run for the third wicket stand and helped the side close in on victory after Sylhet lost their openers Towhid Hridoy (5) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (3) for single digit figure, which left the side to precarious 10-2.
Both of the batters were dismissed in the space of just two balls, however, that was not hampered Sylhet's chase.
Earlier, Sylhet bowlers came up with a disciplined bowling to rattle Khulna batters with Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Imad Wasim playing key role. Sakib grabbed 22 for 3 while Wasim conceded just 10 runs to grab two wickets in four overs.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy is the top-scorer for Khulna with 41 (41 balls). Nahidul Islam made 22 off 17.
Player of The Match: Imad Wasim (Sylhet Strikers)
