Soumya, Mushfiq inspire Khulna to victory over Sylhet

Fifties form Soumya Sarkar and Mushfiqur Rahim helped Khulna Tigers ease past Sylhet Sunrisers by 15 runs in the Bangladesh Premier League at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Soumya was unbeaten on 82 while Mushfiqur was on 62 as the duo shared a 136-run partnership for the unbroken fourth-wicket stand to guide Khulna to a hefty 182-3.

Khulna were awarded five penalty runs after Sylhet’s new skipper Ravi Bopara, who replaced Mosaddek Hossain as captain just before the toss, was found to have tampered the ball. His action was also caught on the TV camera.

Sylhet were restricted to 167-6 to concede their fifth defeat that almost diminished their hopes of reaching the play-off stage.

Put into bat first, Khulna made a disastrous start by being reduced to 1 for 2 after losing Andre Fletcher for 1 and Mahedi Hasan for naught.

Soumya along with Yasir Ali revived the innings with a 45-run partnership after which the latter was dismissed for 23 off 18, hitting four fours.

Khulna then never lost any wicket as Mushfiqur and Somuya played with unwavering resolve, much to the disappointment of Sylhet fans.

Soumya’s 82 came off 62 balls in which he struck four fours and as many sixes. Mushfiqur meanwhile clobbered six fours and two sixes for his 38 ball-62 not out.

Perera and Soumya Sarkar scalped two wickets apiece. Soumya’s all-round performance however saw him adjudged man of the match.

ARR