Ariful’s blast gives Titans victory against Rajshahi

Publish | 21 Nov 2017, 17:42

Online Desk

Khulna Titans sealed a tense win over Rajshahi Kings beating them by two wickets in the 23rd match of Bangladesh Premier League T20 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at Mirpur.

A terrific finish from Ariful Haque, who has changed not only the game, but possible the tournament for Khulna. Rajshahi looked set for the win, taking seven wickets in the first 17 overs, but things turned dramatically thereafter. Ariful struck 43 off just 19 balls to damage Rajshahi's chances in this tournament. A wild T20 finish.

Ariful Haque has won it single-handedly for Khulna. Came pretty late in the innings, when his team was virtually out of the match. Sami was bowling some brilliant yorkers and it looked all but over for Khulna.

But Haque kept his calm and managed 18 runs off the 18th over, Hossain Ali was the unlucky bowler. Once the equation was achievable, he ensured that he had the strike for the last over. Needed only two balls in the last over from Smith to seal the deal.

Earlier it was a valiant effort from skipper Mahmudullah which had kept them in the game for most part of the innings before some late wickets brought Rajshahi back.

Earlier, Rajshahi Kings set a 167-run winning target for Khulna Titans. 

Rajshahi Kings scored a competitive total of 166 for 8 from their allotted 20 overs, after they were forced to bat first by Khulna Titans. 

Brief score: 

Khulna Titans- 168 for 8 in 19.2 overs, Mahmudullah 56, Ariful 43*, Sami 3/29, Franklin 2/30

Rajshahi Kings - 166 for 8 in 20 overs, Smith 62, Mushfiqur 55, Franklin 29 n.o, Junaid Khan 4/27 and Abu Jayes 2/29. 

Source: ntvbd