Mushfiq leads Khulna to win over Chattogram

Khulna Tigers skipper Mushfiqur Rahim led them to a comfortable six-wicket win over Chattogram Challengers in the first match of the Chattogram phase of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League on Friday.

Batting first, Chattogram managed to put on 143-8 on board, which was chased by Khulna with ease as they reached the target with seven balls in hand.

Chattogram lost opener Kennar Lewis early, but a 57-run stand between Will Jacks (28) and Afif Hossain (44) settled them down. But a slump in the middle overs meant they could not capitalise on that good start, and they were 116-8 in the 18th over.

But Naeem Islam’s 25 runs off 19 balls and Shoriful Islam’s cameo of 12 runs from six deliveries ensured that they had 143 on board. Thisara Perera picked up three wickets for Khulna.

In reply, Khulna lost Soumya Sarkar early, but Andre Fletcher (58) held on to one end. And after Rony Talukder (17) was gone, the Caribbean was aptly supported by Mushfiq.

Fletcher was dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, but Mushfiq stayed till the end, and with support from Seekkuge Prasanna, he stayed unbeaten on 44 to take his team home.