After a tough start to the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season, Sylhet Strikers have found their rhythm in front of their home crowd, securing back-to-back victories. On Sunday, they defeated Khulna Tigers by 8 runs, marking their second win in five matches.
In the first match of the day at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet batted first and posted a competitive total of 182/5. Opener Rony played a solid innings, scoring 56 runs off 44 balls, with five fours and two sixes. However, fellow opener Rahkeem Cornwall managed only 4 runs, and George Munsey contributed just 2.
Zakir Hasan, who came in at number four, played a brilliant knock of 75 runs off 46 balls, including six sixes and three fours, anchoring the innings and providing the much-needed stability. In the final overs, Aaron Jones struck a quickfire 20 runs off just 6 balls, while captain Ariful Haque contributed 21 not out off 13 balls, helping Sylhet to a strong finish.
Khulna Tigers, in reply, fell short, finishing at 174/9. Despite opener Williams Bosisto's valiant 43 off 40 balls, Khulna�s chase never gained momentum. Mohammad Naim (11), Imrul Kayes (2), and Darwish Rasooli (15) failed to make significant contributions. Mehidy Hasan Miraz added a brief 15 runs, but it wasn�t enough to keep the Tigers in the hunt.
Sylhet's bowlers delivered when it mattered, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib playing a key role by dismissing Mohammad Nawaz and celebrating in style. This victory boosts Sylhet�s position in the BPL standings as they continue their fight to climb up the table.