DHAKA, Jan 21, 2022 (BSS) - A fine half-century of Rony Talukdar
was complemented by a fluent batting of Thisara Perera as Khulna
Tigers chased down Minister Group Dhaka's 183 effortlessly for a
five-wicket victory in their opening game of the Bangladesh Premier
League (BPL) today at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

   Rony set the platform with 61 off 42, hitting seven fours and one
six and Perera gave the finishing touch with 18 ball-36 not out,
studded with six fours to help Khulna reach 186-5 in 19 overs,
overhauling Dhaka's 183-6.

   Mahedi Hasan who was not out on 12 alongside Perera signed off the
game, hitting a six off Andre Russell delivery.

   West Indies recruit Andre Fletcher blasted 45 off 23 with seven
fours and one six and combined for a 72 off 46 with Rony to keep the
side on track after opener Tanzid Hossain was dismissed cheaply.

   Russell removed Fletcher to help Dhaka hit back and then Ebadot
further established the dominance, getting rid of Khulna captain
Mushfiqur Rahim for 6.

   Rony kept scoring but Ebadot dismissed him to give Dhaka a hope
again, which was later shattered by Thisara Perera. Russell and Ebadot
took two wickets each for Dhaka.

   Tamim Iqbal struck a 42 ball-50 to be the top-scorer for Dhaka
after getting back to competitive cricket following his recovery from
the injury. His fellow opener Mohammad Shahzad scored 27 ball-42. He
and Tamim gave Dhaka a superb start, sharing 69 runs for the opening
stand.

   Shahzad was run out casually while Kamrul Islam Rabbi took the
wicket of Tamim to stall Dhaka's progress. Their situation worsened
further when Andre Russell was run out bizarrely. But skipper
Mahmudullah Riyad struck 39 off 20 to help Dhaka put on a mammoth
total.

   Kamrul Islam Rabbi claimed 3-45 to be the most successful bowler for Khulna.

   Rony was adjudged man of the match for his half-century.