Wahab, Tamim power Khulna to first victory in BPL

Fast bowler Wahab Riaz claimed 4-14 in a gem of pace bowling while opener Tamim Iqbal hit a half-century as Khulna Tigers snapped their losing streak, crushing Rangpur Riders by 9 wickets in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Tuesday.

Pakistan recruit Wahab's fiery spell was too much to handle as Rangpur were skittled out for a meager 129 in 20 overs before Tamim played pivotal role, hammering 47 ball-60 not out that helped Khulna gun down the target, with 10 balls to spare. It was Khulna's first victory in the tournament in fourth game.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy was not out on 38 runs from 42 balls, clattering two fours and a six which sealed the deal emphatically.

Munim Shahriar who opened the innings with Tamim made run-a-ball-21 with three fours and was only batter to be out when Rangpur's Afghan recruit Azmatullah Omarzai had him caught by Shoaib Malik.

But Tamim and Joy were untroubled throughout their 89-run partnership for the undefeated second wicket stand as they took the Rangpur bowlers in disdain to script the side's comprehensive victory.

Tamim smote four fours and two sixes in his first half-century in this season.

After being asked to bat first, Rangpur received a huge setback, losing their inform opener Rony Talukdar for second ball-duck. Nahidul Islam who took the scalp of Rony then gave another blow, removing Naim Sheikh for 13.

Rangpur however got a glimmer of hope when Parvej Emon and Mahedi Hasan looked to get going well. But Wahab got into act, getting rid of Emon for 25 and then with the ably support from Amad Butt he scythed down the Rangpur's middle order in not time.

Mahedi battled hard before being out by Butt for 38. Rakibul Hasan was the other batter to reach double digit mark with 12. Amad Butt took 3-19 to complement Wahab's four-wicket haul. Nahidul Islam picked up 2-23.

Source: BSS