Sabbir’s 62 in vain as Khulna defeat Cumilla

Robbie Frylinck bagged a fifer as Khulna Tigers defeated Cumilla Warriors by 34 runs in the ongoing BBPL at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur today.

Batting first, Khulna posted a challenging 179 for 2 thanks to a fantastic knock from Rilee Rossouw. The bowlers started well with Frylinck removing Stiaan van Zyl and Shafiul Islam bagging the important wicket of David Malan, who only managed one against his name.

Sabbir Rahman, who was dropped the previous match, opened the batting today and hit a 39-ball 62 to raise Cumilla's hopes. He and Soumya Sarkar starred in a 51-run partnership before the latter fell to Frylinck. Sabbir kept going steadily but Mohammad Amir removed him during a pivotal point of the chase. Cumilla floundered after the loss of Sabbir and were eventually bowled out for 145 runs as Khulna picked up their sixth win to remain on course of making the playoffs.

Earlier, Rossouw's blitzed his way to a 36-ball 71, laced with six fours and four sixes as Khulna posted 179 for 2 in 20 overs. Rossouw was supported well by captain Musfiqur Rahim as the duo starred in a 85-run third-wicket partnership with the latter contributing with a 17-ball 24. Earlier openers Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehedi Hasan Miraz provided Khulna with a 71-run stand. Soumya got Najmul's scalp after the left hander struck a 29-ball 38 while David Wiese removed Mehedi after a run-a-ball 39.