Dhaka: Opener Naim Sheikh smashed his maiden ton in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as Khulna Tigers racked up a mammoth 219-4 against Rangpur Riders at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today. Naim carried the bat throughout the innings to remain unbeaten on 111 off 62, his career-best knock, belting seven fours and eight sixes. It was his second century in recognized T20 cricket.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khulna must win this match to keep the BPL playoffs alive. In case of their defeat, Durbar Rajshahi will join Rangpur Riders, Fortune Barishal, and Chittagong Kings in the playoffs. William Bosisto contributed 36 runs while Mahidul Islam Ankon scored 29 off 15 with three fours and one six.
Naim gave the side a powerful start after Khulna captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz opted to bat first. Amid Naim’s performance, Khulna lost Miraz, who opened the innings, for 21 and Alex Ross for 12, leaving them at 60-2 in 7.2 overs. Naim then stitched two big partnerships-88 runs with Bosisto and 78 runs with Ankon-to steer the side past 200.
Mahedi Hasan, Akif Javed, and Iftikhar Ahmed picked up one wicket each.