Sylhet Strikers walked to an easy win in the opening game of the ninth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as they beat Chattogram Challengers by eight wickets on Friday.
Batting first, Chattogram could only muster 89-9 as Sylhet pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja starred with the ball to pick up four wickets. Eight Chattogram batters failed to reach double digits as Afif Hossain top-scored with 25.
In reply, it took Sylhet only 12.3 overs to chase the total down as Najmul Hossain Shanto stayed unbeaten on 43 off 41 balls, while Zakir Hasan scored 27 off 21 balls.
In the first innings, Chattogram failed to put together any partnership from the beginning as they faltered and were bowled out for the lowest-ever total in a BPL opening match.
In reply, Sylhet lost Colin Ackermann to Mrittunjoy Chowdhury early, but Najmul and Zakir ensured that there were no problems.
Even though Zakir failed to stay unbeaten, Najmul, alongside Mushfiqur Rahim, took Sylhet home.
