Mithun, Hakim lead Khulna to win over Rangpur

After winning five matches in a raw, Rangpur saw the other side of the coin when they tasted a 34-run defeat to Khulna for their second straight loss in the NCL T20 tournament at Sylhet Academy Ground on Thursday.

Mohammad Mithun and young Azizul Hakim Tamim were key in the victory that propelled Khulna to third place. Despite the defeat, Rangpur finished as runners-up in the group phase.

Mithun clobbered 49 ball-71 with five fours and fours sixes while Under-19 captain Hakim who opened the innings, played a fluent 66 off 41 with seven fours and four sixes.
They shared 68 off 49 for the second wicket to lay a strong platform and Imrul Kayes utilized it with 19 ball-40 not out. Thanks to their contribution Khulna racked up a hefty 195-4.

The bowlers then bowled well in tandem to restrict Rangpur to 161-9 with captain Akbar Ali top-scoring 52 off 29.
Sheikh Parvez Jibon and Tipu Sultan snared three wickets apiece.     —BSS