Chittagong: Chittagong Kings cruised to a 30-run victory over Sylhet Strikers to clinch their third win in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), thanks to half-centuries from Usman Khan and Graham Clark at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, England recruit Graham Clark top-scored with a 33-ball 60, featuring three fours and five sixes, while Pakistan recruit Usman Khan made 53 off 35 with eight fours and one six after opening the innings. Their efforts steered Chittagong to a hefty 203-6, a total they successfully defended by restricting Sylhet to 173-8. George Munsey contributed 53 off 37 balls, and Jaker Ali Anik scored an unbeaten 47 off 23 balls, but it was insufficient to prevent Sylhet's fourth defeat in six matches in the tournament. Usman and Clark shared a 68-run partnership for the second wicket after Parvez Hossain Emon was dismissed for 7. Skipper Mohammad Mithun maintained the momentum with 28 off 19 balls before Pakistan recruit Haider Ali pro vided a strong finish, helping the side surpass 200. Haider Ali remained not out on 42, hitting four fours and three sixes in just 18 balls. Mohammad Wasim was instrumental for Chittagong, denting Sylhet's hope of a strong start by dismissing opener Rony Talukdar for just 7. He then took the wickets of Aaron Jones and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, finishing with figures of 3-25. Zakir Hasan, pivotal in Sylhet's last two victories, showed some resistance alongside Munsey, but Aliss Al Islam removed him for 25 off 19 balls. While Munsey played confidently, he received little support from the other end, stifling Sylhet's chase. Syed Khaled Ahmed dismissed Munsey just after his half-century, leaving the onus on Jaker Ali. Despite Ali's aggressive response, the escalating run rate proved insurmountable, and his power-hitting was not enough to secure the win.
