Walton keeps Chattogram hope alive despite valiant Fletcher show

Chadwick Walton’s storm followed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s superb last over guided Chattogram Challengers to beat Khulna Tigers by 7 runs in the Eliminator of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

With the win, Chattogram kept their final hope alive while Khulna eliminated directly.

Walton’s unbeaten 44 ball-89 helped Chattogram to post 189-5 after which the bowlers bowled well in tandem to limit Khulna for 182-5 despite a 58 ball-80 not out of Andre Fletcher.

Chasing the big target, Khulna were reduced to 43-2 as they lost Mahedi Hasan for 2 and Soumya Sarkar for 1, which meant the bulk of the runs came from Fletcher’s willow. Thanks to him, Khulna utilized the power-play well to keep the asking run rate under control.

Mushfiqur Rahim joined Fletcher and together they combined for 64-run for the third wicket after which Mushfiqur was dismissed by Miraz for 43 off 29, hitting one four and four sixes.

Yasir Ali then struck a whirlwind 45 off 24 with two fours and four towering sixes as Khulna sensed a victory. But his dismissal in the penultimate over by Shoriful Islam ruined the momentum as Fletcher and Thisara Perera couldn’t take big hit, required to win the game. Perera was out in the last ball for 3.

Miraz took two wickets for 40 while Nasum Ahmed, Shoriful and Mrittunjoy Chowdhury grabbed one wicket apiece.

Chattogram Challengers will now take on the loser between Fortune Barishal and Comilla Victorians in the second Qualifier on Wednesday.

ARR