Shamim's rampage fails to save Chittagong as Khulna clinch victory

Mehidy Hasan Miraz deployed six bowlers against Chittagong Kings, and each one performed well. However, Shamim Patwary’s impressive batting wasn’t enough to secure a win for his team. Chasing a target of over 200, Mohammad Mithun’s side was limited to 166 runs. Khulna Tigers won by 37 runs, thanks to a collective bowling effort and explosive batting from Mahidul Islam Ankon and William Bosisto. The victory gave Khulna a strong start in this year’s BPL. Ankon was the standout performer, smashing 59 off 22 balls and helping Khulna reach a total beyond 200.

On the second day of the BPL at Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, the tournament saw its first 200+ total. Batting first after losing the toss, Khulna’s batters took an aggressive approach, finishing with 203 runs for the loss of four wickets. Despite a strong cameo from Shamim, Chittagong was defeated by a large margin.

Khulna got off to a solid start with Naim Islam, but the highest run-scorer in the NCL T20 couldn't capitalize on his start. Captain Miraz then steadied the innings alongside opener Bosisto, coming in at number three. Their partnership contributed 79 runs in 10 overs. After Miraz was dismissed for 18 off 18 balls, Khulna began losing wickets rapidly.

Ibrahim Zadran (6) and Afif Hossain (8) were dismissed shortly after, giving Chittagong a glimmer of hope. However, that pressure was short-lived. Bosisto reached his fifty in just 36 balls, anchoring one end, while Mahidul Islam Ankon played an explosive knock at the other end. The pair added 50 runs in just 22 balls for the sixth wicket. Ankon smashed a rapid fifty in 18 balls, finishing with 59 off 22 balls, while Bosisto remained unbeaten on 75 off 50. Together, they helped Khulna set a commanding total.

In response, Chittagong started well but quickly lost momentum. Regular wickets saw the team struggling and, at one point, facing the risk of being bowled out for under 100. However, Shamim Hossain’s fiery innings delayed Khulna’s victory. With the team at 75/8, Shamim single-handedly carried them to 152 runs, scoring a blistering 78 with seven fours and five sixes. But after Shamim’s dismissal, Chittagong couldn’t progress much further.

Usman Khan scored 18, the second-highest for his team. Abu Hider Rony took four wickets for Khulna, while Mohammad Nawaz claimed two. Oshane Thomas, despite conceding 16 runs off a single ball, picked up one wicket. Khulna's outstanding bowling, coupled with their powerful batting, outshone Shamim’s innings and sealed a commanding victory.