Mushfiqur masterclass sinks Royals

Khulna Tigers started their Chattogram campaign of the Bangabandhu BPL with a thumping win over Rajshahi Royals.

They chased down 189/4 posted by the Royals and scored 192/5, which is the highest team score in this year's edition. 

Khulna skipper Mushfiqur Rahim registered his highest score in T20s to glide his side to victory.

Mushfiqur was out on 96 in the last over. His innings included nine 4s and four 6s.

The diminutive right-hander came to the crease when his team was in a spot of bother at 25/2.

Mushfiqur did the initial damage control with Rilee Rossouw. They put together a 72-run-partnership for the third wicket. Rossouw was out for 42.

It was all Mushfiqur from then on. He calculated the tough chase with characteristic precision and calm. And when needed he hammered the bowlers to all parts of the ground.

Mushfiqur was out in the last over off Bopara, but by then the fate of the Royal's was sealed. Robbie Frylinck put the finishing touches as the Tigers won the match by 5 wickets with two balls to spare.

Earlier, Rajshahi Royals posted a hefty 189/4 against Khulna Tigers, in the phase opener in Chattogram

Khulna Tigers skipper Mushfiqur Rahim won the toss and put Rajshahi to bat.

The Tigers made early inroads by picking up to quick wickets of Liton Das and Hazratullah Zazai.

Das was out off Frylinck after scoring 19. And Mohammad Aamir picked up Zazai on one.

Youngster Afif Hossain also failed to make an impact as he was out for 19 off Aamir.

But, a 106 run fourth-wicket partnership between Shoaib Malik and Ravi Bopara helped the Royals to get things under control.

The two veterans of the format blasted Royal's bowling and made sure that they are dictating the terms.

Malik was out for a rapid 87 off 50 balls. Bopara remained not out on 40 off 26 balls.

In the second match of the day, hosts Chattogram Challengers will face Sylhet Thunder at 6.30 pm.