ZCZC
BSP-29
CRICKET-CTG-KHULNA-MATCH
Chattogram retains top spot after thrilling victory over Khulna
DHAKA, Dec 8, 2020 (BSS) – Gazi Group Chattogram secured a thrilling
three-wicket win over Gemcon Khulna and retained their top spot in the
Bangabandhu T20 Cup at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on
Tuesday.
Chattogram’s point stood 10 in six games, which also confirmed their
playoffs as the first team. Khulna however remains at second position
with eight points from seven games. Despite the defeat, Khulna is also
in advantageous position to reach playoffs.
A late onslaught of Shuvagata Hom enabled Gemcon Khulna to compile
157-9 but Chattogram held the nerve to secure the victory in the last
ball as Shamsur Rahman Shuvo struck a six to help the side reach 162-7
and won the game.
Shakib Al Hasan though failed to make a mark in batting still, he gave
Khulna a crucial breakthrough by removing inform Liton Das for 4 in
the second over of the innings.
Shakib who finished with 2-30, also claimed the prized scalp of Soumya
Sarkar for 19 before Shuvagata Hom removed Mahmudullah Hasan Joy who
looked to be threatening for Khulna as the time progressed.
Joy struck 24 off 14 with four fours and one six. After Joy and
Soumya’s dismissal, captain Mohammad Mithun was removed on 23, giving
Khulna an advantage to win the game.
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza then further derailed Chattogram, taking the
scalp of Mosaddek Hossain for 12. Mashrafe, playing competitive
cricket after 266 days, ended with 1-28.
Shamsur then took the onus and kept the side in the hunt despite the
tumbling of the wickets at the other end. He was unbeaten on 45 off
30, hitting five fours and one six. Nahidul Islam came as an ably
support for him with 10 ball-18 which included two sixes.
Earlier, Shuvagata Hom struck a 14 ball-32 not out, including 14 runs
from the last over delivered by Mustafizur Rahman to help the side
propel past 150 runs.
After being sent to bat first, Khulna though made a decent start, they
wobbled halfway through mark, which made a total of 150 unlikely.
But coming at No. 9, Shuvagata hit six fours and one six in his knock
to keep the side a place, which looked to be a fighting total.
Opener Jahurul Islam struck 26 off 19 with two fours and as many sixes
while captain Mahmudullah Riyad made identical 26.
Shoriful Islam who claimed 3-34, removed Khulna’s two openers Jahurul
and Zakir Hasan to leave them 52-2.
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who was playing his first match after March was
promoted to No. 4 as strategic move but it backfired as he was trapped
run out for one.
Shakib Al Hasan’s dismal run with willow continued after he was out for 15.
Imrul Kayes and Mahmudullah looked to revive the innings but both of
them were removed in four balls, leaving Khulna in a position of
embarrassment.
However Shuvagata Hom ensured the team will finish on high and give
the bowlers something to defend.
Brief Score:
Gemcon Khulna 157-9 in 20 overs (Shuvagata Hom 32 not out, Mahmudullah
26, Jahurul 26, Kayes 24; Shoriful 3-34, Mustafizur 2-36).
Gazi Group Chattogram 162-7 in 20 overs (Shamsur 45 not out, Mahmudul
Hasan Joy 24, Mithun 23; Shakib 2-30, Shuvagata 2-34, Mashrafe 1-28).
Result: Chattogram wins by 3 wickets.
BSS/SMP/MRU/2251hrs