ZCZC
BSP-11
CRICKET-KT-RPR-SHAFIUL
Khulna annihilates Rangpur for third straight victory in BBPL
DHAKA, Dec 20, 2019 (BSS)—Fast bowler Shafiul Islam’s 3-21 was complemented by Rilee Rossouw’s 31 ball-66 as Khulna Tigers crushed Rangpur Rangers by eight wickets to secure their third victory in a row in the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) at Zahur Ahmed Chwodhury Stadium in Chattogram today.
By virtue of this victory, Mushfiqur Rahim-led Khulna remains only the unbeaten team in the tournament so far. On the other hand, the defeat leaves Rangpur win-less after playing four matches so far.
Shafiul varied his pace in impeccable way to restrict Rangpur for just 137-9, which in the pitch conducive to the batsmen, was never enough. And Khulna, as usually made a mockery of the target to reach there in just 12.3 overs.
Even though Nazmul Hossain Shanto (1) was dismissed cheaply, his fellow opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave Khulna high-flying start to make the victory a cake-walk.
He and Rilee Rossouw came up with free flowing batting to help Khulna amass 80 runs in the first six overs and thereby took the side closer to the victory.
Youngster Mukidul Islam Mugdho got the better of Gurbaz against the play as he was removed for 37 off 22, hitting one four and four sixes.
Rossouw then got in-form Mushfiqur as his support and helped the side reach the winning mark without further fuss by sharing 58 off 35 for an undefeated third wicket stand.
Roussouw smashed nine fours and two sixes in his 66 off 31 while Mushfiqur who hit the winning single was not out on run-a-ball-17, sending the ball across the rope twice.
Being sent to bat first, Rangpur Rangers looked to be on the verge of their fourth straight defeat when they failed to get a fluent start.
But opener Naim Sheikh seemed to play on different surface in which his colleagues failed to make any impression. Two of their most destructive batsmen –Mohammad Shahzad and Cameron Delport, who could utilize the pitch well couldn’t stay long in the crease.
Shahzad scored just 11 while Delport made 4. While Mohammad Amir took out Shahzad, Shafiul got rid of Delport in his first over.
Naim eventually was trapped run-out for 49 off 32 after trying to take a risky single. He struck five fours and two sixes.
Fazle Mahmud was the other notable scorer with 42 off 33, clobbering two fours and as many sixes.
Pace bowler Shafiul Islam continued his rich vein of form with cherry, finishing with excellent figure of 4-1-21-3. Pakistan recruit Mohammad Amir and Shahidul Islam came up with ably support for him, picking up two wickets apiece.
BSS/SMP/TAN/1715hrs