Pakistan duo Mohammad Wasim Jr and Mohammad Nawaz dazzled at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium to help Khulna Tigers restrict to a below par total of 130/9 and register a comprehensive 10-wicket win over Durdanto Dhaka in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024.
Wasim Jr troubled his Pakistan teammate in the first over and conceded just a single after five dot balls. Ayub and Mohammad Naim took on Nahidul Islam to make up for the two quiet overs. Then Mohammad Nawaz was introduced into the attack and conceded just four runs in his first over. Wasim Jr returned as well. Naim got a second life as his catch was dropped. After powerplay overs, Dhaka were 39 for no loss. Ayub and Naim capitalised against other bowlers.
Against Afif Hossain, Naim hit two consecutive sixes followed by a four before losing his wicket. Naim scored 41 runs from 21 balls including a couple of fours and four sixes. In the next over, Ayub lost his wicket to Shanaka. He scored 35 runs from 37 balls. At the halfway stage, Dhaka were 78/2. In the 13th over, Mukidul Islam struck twice to dismiss Gulbadin Naib and SM Meherob.
Nawaz returned to the attack and got the wickets of Irfan Sukkur and skipper Mosaddek Hossain. In his next over, Nawaz got rid of Taskin Ahmed as well. Wasim Jr. added more pressure with the wicket of Usman Qadir. Alex Ross hit a six but got bowled off the next ball. Nawaz finished his spell with another economical over. Wasim Jr did the same in the penultimate over. Combined, they conceded 28 runs and picked up five wickets. Dhaka managed to post 130/9 on the board.
In the run chase, Khulna Tigers were not troubled by Dhaka bowlers. Evin Lewis went on a rampage before he was retired hurt after suffering side strain. Anamul Haque accelerated and hit Naib for three fours in the sixth over. After powerplay overs, Khulna Tigers were 66 for no loss. Haque reached his half-century from 37 balls. In the 12th over, Afif smashed Arafat Sunny for two consecutive sixes. In the 14th over, Haque finished the run chase with a single. He remained unbeaten for 58 off 48 balls including four fours and a couple of sixes. On the other end, Afif contributed with a 27-ball 37.
The 10-wicket win with 32 balls to spare helped Khulna Tigers surpass Chattogram Challengers and occupy the top spot on the points table of BPL 2024.
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