CHATTOGRAM, Jan 19, 2025 (BSS)—Khulna Tigers snapped its four-match losing streak in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with a hard-fought 7-run victory over Durbar Rajshahi at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here today.

Half-centuries from William Bosisto and Afif Hossain steered Khulna Tigers to 209-4 but Rajshahi responded aggressively to make them heavily favourite for a victory, thanks to Captain Anamul Haque Bijoy.

With 17 runs needing for victory in the last over, Bijoy who was on 91, struck a four in the first ball and then took two to reach 97. However, he was able to take just three runs in the last four balls, which might help him to complete his first century in BPL and third in T20s but cost his side the game.

Rajshahi eventually were held back to 202-4 to loss the high-scoring game with Bijoy on 57 ball-100 after hitting nine fours and five sixes.

Opener Jishan Alam’s 15 ball-30 gave Rajshahi a rapid start, required to gun down a big total. Bijoy who came to bat at No.3 position, then attacked in style to keep Rajshahi ahead as far as the asking run rate is concerned. 

Bijoy stitched two crucial partnerships—58 with Yasir Ali who made 20 and 73-run with Ryan Burl who was dismissed in the penultimate over after scoring 16 ball-25

But as Bijoy neared his century, he slowed down to some extent, which eventually ruined Rajshahi’s prospect. 

Hasan Mahmud, who defended 17 runs in the last over, was the most successful bowler for Khulna 2-25 in four overs.

Earlier, Australian recruit Bosisto made team-high 55 off 37 with four fours and one six while Afif hammered 56 off 42, clattering three fours and as many sixes to script Khulna’s third victory in the ongoing BPL.

The duo shared 113-run for the third wicket to pave the platform after which Mahidul Islam Ankon lived up to his reputation as finisher by plundering 12 ball-30 not out. He smote four sixes in his knock. 

Electing to bat first, Khulna got a solid start through Naim Sheikh and its Captain  Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who promoted himself to opening slot. 

Miraz though didn’t fare badly as he struck 26 off 13. Naim who was first to go after being the victim of Jishan Alam made 27 off 14.

An over later Taskin Ahmed dismissed Mehidy and new Australian recruit Alex Ross was trapped run out for 1, which pegged back their innings. 

But Afif and Bosisto turned the table with a big partnership, helping the side propel past 200 with ease.

Taskin took two wickets for 36 runs in four overs.