This season’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has seen a flood of runs from the very beginning. On the first day, Barishal chased down 198 runs, while the second match came close to 200. Yesterday, the 200-run mark was crossed again. Despite this high-scoring trend, the returning Chattogram Kings failed to start their campaign with a win. At Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, they suffered a 37-run defeat against Khulna Tigers. On a day when the Kings’ batters faltered, Shamim Hossain stood tall, fighting alone with a blazing knock of 78 off 38 balls, saving his team from a humiliating collapse.
After losing the toss, Khulna Tigers batted first. Opener Naim Sheikh was dismissed for 26, falling to Aliss Islam at 37 runs. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz also couldn’t contribute much, scoring 18 runs off 18 balls before being dismissed by Khaled Ahmed. Ibrahim Zadran was also sent back by Khaled, but Australian batter William Bosisto held one end firmly, scoring a crucial fifty. Lacking support initially, Bosisto found a strong partner in Mahidul Islam Ankon. Together, they stitched an unbeaten 86-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Ankon was particularly destructive, smashing a 50 off just 18 balls. He remained unbeaten on 59 off 22 deliveries, hitting one four and six sixes. Meanwhile, Bosisto scored an unbeaten 75 off 50 balls, with eight boundaries and three sixes, leading Khulna to a formidable 203 runs. For Chattogram Kings, Khaled and Aliss picked up two wickets each.
Chasing 203, the Kings faced setbacks right from the first over as experienced opener Nayeem Islam fell for 12 off 9 balls. Fellow opener Parvez Hossain Emon also couldn’t stay long, scoring 13 off 8 before becoming Abu Hider Rony’s victim. Captain Mohammad Mithun managed just 5 runs, while number three Osman Khan scored 18 off 15. Pakistani batter Haider Ali failed to open his account. At 67/7, the Kings were staring at a crushing defeat.
Then came Shamim Hossain’s counterattack. His powerful hitting reduced the margin of defeat, giving the Kings a glimmer of hope. Shamim smashed 78 runs off 38 balls, hitting seven fours and five sixes. He completed his fifty in just 23 balls, turning the game momentarily. However, once he was dismissed, the Kings collapsed completely, losing by 37 runs.
For Khulna, Abu Hider Rony was the standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 44 runs. Despite the loss, Shamim’s heroic effort was the silver lining for Chattogram Kings in an otherwise disappointing match.
