ZCZC
BSP-26
CRICKET-BBPL-QUALIFIER
Shanto 78* leads Khulna to 158-3 against Rajshahi
DHAKA, Jan 13, 2020 (BSS) – Opener Nazmul Hossain Shanto followed his
blistering 57 ball-115 not out with yet another blitzkrieg knock as he struck
a 57 ball-78 not out to help Khulna Tigers post 158-3 against Rajshahi Royals
in the first Qualifier of Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) at
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium here.
The winner of the game will seal the final of BBPL straightway while the
loser will play the second Qualifier game against Chattogram Challengers on
Wednesday.
Mohammad Irfan left Khulna in a troublesome condition in a slow pitch,
justifying his captain Andre Russell’s decision to bowl first right.
Shanto struck seven fours and four sixes in his knock which gave the
side something to work on after a slow start.
Irfan dealt a double blow in the third over, dismissing Mehidy Hasan
Miraz (8) and inform Rilee Rossouw for naught, leaving Khulna a precarious
15-2.
Khulna was strangled following the early fall of two inform batsmen
while the Rajshahi bowlers imposed more pressure, bowling with much
determination and passion.
But Shanto with the ably support of Shamsur Rahman kept the scoreboard
ticking if not at faster pace.
They shared 78 runs for third wicket stand after which Ravi Bopara made
a breakthrough claiming the wicket of Shamsur for 31 ball32.
Captain Mushfiqur Rahim joined Shanto but couldn’t make much impact as
he retired hurt following a hamstring injury. Before then he scored 21 off 16
with two fours.
Shanto gave the late impetus along with Najibullah Zadran (12 not out)
to push the side past 150, which looked unlikely at one phase.
Irfan returned figures of 2-13 in four overs while Bopara took 1-24.
BSS/SMP/BZC/2055HRS