Sylhet, Jan 13, (V7N): Sylhet Strikers secured their second victory in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with a thrilling eight-run win over Khulna Tigers, thanks to a sensational unbeaten 75 from Zakir Hasan at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Zakir, who had also led Sylhet to their first win with a quickfire 58 against Dhaka Capitals, delivered once again with a career-best 75 off 46 balls. His innings, laced with three boundaries and six towering sixes, powered Sylhet to a challenging 182-5.

Sylhet’s Recovery and Strong Finish

Sylhet found themselves in early trouble at 15-2 in 4.2 overs but Zakir Hasan and opener Rony Talukdar (56 off 44 balls) stitched a vital 106-run partnership for the third wicket. Rony’s composed knock included five fours and two sixes.

Abu Haider Rony was the standout bowler for Khulna, taking 2 for 25, breaking the crucial stand by dismissing Talukdar. However, Zakir continued his aggressive approach, with Aaron Jones (20 off 6) and skipper Ariful Haque (21* off 13) providing the late boost to Sylhet’s total.

Khulna’s Chase Falls Short

In response, Khulna Tigers struggled to build momentum despite Williams Bosisto’s 43 and Mohammad Nawaz’s 33. Sylhet’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Reece Topley, and Ruyel Miah each claiming two wickets.

Khulna needed 19 runs off the final over with three wickets in hand. Abu Haider Rony briefly reignited hopes by smashing two consecutive boundaries, but Ruyel Miah dismissed him on the next ball. A critical run-out of Mahidul Islam Ankan (28) sealed Khulna’s fate, ending their chase at 174-9.

Khulna’s Slipping Form

This defeat marked Khulna Tigers’ second consecutive loss after starting the tournament with back-to-back wins. Sylhet Strikers, on the other hand, appear to be gaining momentum after a rough start to their BPL campaign.

Score Summary:

Sylhet Strikers: 182-5 (Zakir Hasan 75*, Rony Talukdar 56; Abu Haider Rony 2-25)

Khulna Tigers: 174-9 (Williams Bosisto 43, Mohammad Nawaz 33; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 2-28, Reece Topley 2-34, Ruyel Miah 2-36)

Sylhet Strikers won by 8 runs.

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