Khulna Tigers Secure Second Consecutive Victory, Defeating Chittagong Challengers

In a spectacular display of skill, Khulna Tigers clinched their second consecutive victory in the BPL, triumphing over Chittagong Challengers by 7 wickets. The pursuit of 158 runs ended successfully for Khulna, reaching the victory port with just 4 balls to spare in the final over.

SBS Desk

January 21, 2024

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Khulna Tigers Secure Second Consecutive Victory, Defeating Chittagong Challengers

Captain Yasir Ali's strategic decision to field after winning the toss at Zahoor Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong set the tone for the match. Saifuddin's early dismissal sent Chittagong's opener Max Odud back to the pavilion. The duo of Usman Khan and Afif Hossain then aimed for a substantial total.

Usman showcased impressive batting with 45 runs off 31 balls, featuring seven fours and a six. Afif contributed 35 runs off 31 balls. However, Chittagong failed to maintain momentum as no other batsman managed to achieve significant scores. Rasuli's 25 runs off 26 balls provided some support. A late surge of 21 runs off 9 balls by Farhad Razor propelled Chittagong to a fighting total of 157 runs.

Wahab Riaz emerged as a key figure for Khulna, claiming 4 wickets, while Saifuddin secured 2 wickets.

Khulna faced a hiccup at the start of their chase. Munim Shahriar, the opening batsman, departed early. However, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, partnered with the seasoned Tamim Iqbal, guided Khulna towards victory. Tamim and Joy's impressive 104-run partnership was disrupted when Tamim exited after scoring 44 runs off 37 balls. Joy continued his form, contributing 59 runs off 44 balls, including five fours and one six.

Khulna faced a brief period of pressure as they lost two quick wickets. Yet, Captain Yasir Ali, with a brilliant innings of 36 runs from 17 balls, swiftly shifted the momentum in Khulna's favor. Yasir's exceptional performance, accompanied by Azam Khan's unbeaten 15 runs, ensured that no Chittagong bowler posed a significant threat.

Nihaduzzaman's attempt to secure two wickets individually did not impede Khulna's march to victory. With this win, Khulna Tigers ascended to the fourth position on the points table, while Chittagong Challengers slipped to sixth among the seven teams.