Shakib, Tahir power Rangpur to win against Khulna

Shakib Al Hasan came up with yet another stellar all-round performance as Rangpur Riders crushed Khulna Tigers by 78 runs to bolster their top spot in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Tuesday at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, reports BSS.

Shakib's eyesight problem was key in leaving him out from the home T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka but it looked he found a way to score rapidly despite the limitation.

The ace all-rounder blasted 31 ball-69 with six fours and as many sixes to guide the side to monumental 219-5, which was Rangpur's second straight 200 plus knock in the tournament.

Later he took key scalp of Evin Lewis and finished with 2-30 before former South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir with 5-26 dismissed Khulna for 141 in 18.2 overs and handed them the fourth straight defeat.

Electing to bat first, Rangpur were slumped to 24-2 but Shakib, ably supported by Mahedi Hasan brought the side back into the contention, adding 109 runs for the third wicket stand. Mahedi hammered 60 off 36 with six fours and four sixes.

Skipper Nurul Hasan Sohan then hit the bowlers all corner of the park to make quick 13 ball-32 not out as Rangpur went past 200 with ease.

In pursuit of huge chase, Khulna lost wickets at regular intervals, which put them in trouble. The resistance only came from Alex Hales who on his first match with the side blasted 60 off 33, clattering seven fours and three sixes. Luke Wood made second best 20.