Sylhet Strikers Taste Back-to-Back Victory After Three Consecutive Losses

After suffering three consecutive defeats, Sylhet Strikers finally found their rhythm with back-to-back victories. In their 20-run win over Khulna Tigers in Sylhet, the Strikers bounced back, while the Tigers, led by Mehedi Hasan Miraz, sank deeper into despair with two straight losses. The match ended in a thrilling final over, with Sylhet securing an 8-run victory.

Batting first in front of a vibrant home crowd, Sylhet Strikers posted a challenging total of 182/5. Although openers Rahkeem Cornwall and George Munsey failed to perform, Rony Talukdar and Zakir Hasan steadied the innings. Rony Talukdar contributed with a half-century, scoring 56 runs before departing.

However, Zakir Hasan’s wicket eluded the Khulna bowlers. Zakir reached his fifty off just 29 balls and remained unbeaten, playing a vital 75-run knock from 46 balls, which included 6 sixes and 3 fours. Aaron Jones also added a quick-fire cameo of 20 runs from just 6 balls. On the flip side, Zakir Ali Anik experienced the disappointment of a golden duck.

Captain Ariful Haque contributed with a quick 21 runs off 13 balls in the final overs, helping Sylhet reach 182 runs. For Khulna, Abu Haider Rony and Ziaur Rahman took two wickets each.

Chasing a challenging total, Khulna Tigers’ innings faltered early, losing Mohammad Naim and Imrul Kayes. Naim managed only 11 runs from 9 balls, while Imrul Kayes was dismissed for just 2. Afghan batter Darwish Rasooli could only muster 15 runs before being caught off a delivery from Riz Topley.

Captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz’s departure further deepened Khulna’s troubles. Miraz scored only 15 runs off 14 balls before being dismissed. Mohammad Nawaz then tried to keep the chase alive with a quick-fire 33 off 18 balls. At the other end, Mahidul Islam Ankon continued to fight.

With 19 runs needed from the final 6 balls, Mahidul Islam, who had scored 28 runs from 16 balls, was run out, and Sylhet Strikers sealed the match with an 8-run victory. Khulna Tigers were all out for 174 runs, losing by 20 runs.