Dhaka suffer third loss as Khulna bag another win
Beximco Dhaka succumbed to their third defeat of the Bangabandhu T20 Cup as they lost to Mahmudullah Riyad's Gemcon Khulna by 37 runs in the evening game at Mirpur today.
In chase of 147 for victory, Dhaka's innings suffered early blows with opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim falling to Shuvagata Hom while all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan removed Mohammad Naim Sheikh for one. Shakib tightened the screw early with two maiden overs in his first spell. Yasir Ali, who came to the wicket after the third wicket fell in just the fourth over of the innings, counter attacked while Mushfiqur played out Shakib's early spell. The duo resurrected the innings with a 57-run knock but Yasir then fell to Hasan Mahmud, out bowled and Mushfiqur departed soon after at a very crucial juncture of the game, holed out at deep mid-wicket trying to clear the ropes against Shuvagata.
Dhaka innings never really recovered after that and fizzled out for 109 all out.
Shuvagata was the pick of the Khulna bowlers with three wickets for 13 runs in 3.2 overs while Shahidul Islam bagged three for 30 in four overs. Hasan Mahmud bagged two while Shakib was the most economical, conceding just eight runs in his four overs and picking up a wicket.
The loss leaves Dhaka with zero points from three matches.
Earlier, Gemcon Khulna's batting lineup once again failed to ignite as they were restricted to 146 for eight.
Sent in to bat, Shakib was promoted up the order to open the innings but early wickets stifled Khulna once again with Shakib castled by Rubel Hossain delivery in the fourth over. Anamul Haque (5) and Jahurul Islam (4) fell cheaply either side of Shakib's wicket before Imrul Kayes and captain Mahmudullah Riyad starred in a 56-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Imrul's 29 off 27 knock ended after falling leg-before to Nayeem Hasan while trying to sweep. Riyad batted conservatively for his team-high 47-ball 45 with three fours before falling to Rubel in the final over. Rubel was the pick of the bowlers with three for 28 in four overs while youngster Shafiqul Islam bagged two for 34 in four overs.