KHT VS SYL MATCH 42

Right then, that is it from the final group stage match of this edition of Bangladesh Premier League where Sylhet Strikers registered a comprehensive victory against the Khulna Tigers. Next up we head to the playoffs with a double-header on Monday starting with the eliminator and followed by Qualifier 1 on the 26th of February 2024. Both these games are set to unfold at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The eliminator will be played between Chattogram Challengers and Fortune Barishals at 1.00pm IST (7.30am GMT) followed by Qualifier 1 between Comilla Victorians and Rangpur Riders at 6.00pm IST (12.30pm GMT). You can join us early for all the pre-match build-up. Until then, Cheers and goodbye!

The victorious skipper of Sylhet Strikers, Mohammad Mithun says a win is a win and it gives happiness to the fans and the players. Adds that the bowlers have done well throughout the tournament but the batters have failed earlier but have come good in the later stage. Mentions that they will try to come back strongly in the next edition of BPL.

Benny Howell is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his outstanding bowling effort claiming 3 wickets. He says it was his day and it's nice to get a win in this game. Mentions that he looks to bowl tight lines and build dot balls which induce wickets and luckily it worked out well here in this game. Concludes that with wickets in hand, such low-scoring chases become easier and the team is happy to finish on a high.

The skipper of Khulna Tigers, Anamul Haque says they needed 20 more runs to fight as the wicket was a bit tricky. Adds that it gets difficult with some set players leaving mid-way and the replacements being makeshift and they will be looking to recruit keeping those things in mind next year. Closes by thanking the fans of Khulna Tigers for supporting them throughout the season.

Time for the Presentation Ceremony..

Earlier in the innings the Sylhet Strikers showcased their prowess with the ball, effectively limiting the Khulna Tigers to a below-par total of 128 runs on the board. Afif Hossain emerged as the lone warrior for the Tigers, notching up a half-century with a resilient knock of 52 runs, yet found himself lacking support from his teammates. The outstanding bowling display was spearheaded by the brilliance of Benny Howell, who clinched 3 crucial wickets, complemented by the contributions of Shafiqul Islam and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, each securing two wickets apiece.

The Khulna Tigers made an auspicious start to the match, with Wayne Parnell striking early to dismiss opener Kennar Lewis in the very first over, followed swiftly by Nahidul Islam removing Zakir Hasan in the subsequent over, offering a glimmer of hope for the Tigers. However, despite the initial breakthroughs, the opposition's resilient batting soon turned the tide, particularly with a robust 3rd wicket partnership that firmly tilted the game against them. While the Tigers managed to claim a couple more wickets later on, the total on the board never seemed substantial enough for them to defend, as they were ultimately outplayed by the Sylhet Strikers.

The Sylhet Strikers faced early setbacks in the innings, losing both their openers within the first two overs. However, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Yasir Ali came together to form a resilient partnership, steadying the ship with a solid stand of 70 runs and putting the Strikers firmly in the driver's seat. Following Najmul's departure, skipper Mohammad Mithun joined forces with Yasir, and the duo navigated the chase with ease but Yasir fell short of a half-century against the run of play at the end. Benny Howell the star performer with the ball managed to ultimately guide the team to a comfortable finish with 12 balls to spare.

And with that, the curtains fall on this relatively one-sided contest as the Sylhet Strikers emerge victorious, securing a comprehensive win with 6 wickets in hand.

FOUR! Sylhet Strikers ends their season on a high as they win this one by 6 wickets. Short-pitched in middle, Benny Howell tops edges this flying over the keeper for a boundary towards the sight screen behind the stumps.

SIX! He has picked the bones out of it. Back of a length on off, Benny Howell pulls this way behind the fence towards deep square leg region for a gigantic maximum. Sylhet Strikers now requires just 3 more runs.

On a length around off, Mohammad Mithun thumps this wide of the bowler for a single.

On a length around off, Benny Howell dabs this to third man for a single.

Pithced up on pads, Mohammad Mithun flicks this towards square leg region for one.

On a length wide of off, Mohammad Mithun dabs this through point and scampers back for two.

Good length around the pads, Mohammad Mithun tucks this towards square leg for a single.

WIDE! Short-pitched wide down leg, Mohammad Mithun leaves it.