Published on 12:14 AM, January 25, 2023

Taskin inspires Dhaka to sensational win over Khulna

Dhaka Dominators pacer Taskin Ahmed celebrates after taking a wicket. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Dhaka Dominators successfully defended the third-lowest total in the history of the Bangladesh Premier League to clinch a scintillating 24-run win over Khulna Tigers in the second fixture of Tuesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

After posting a meagre 108-run total in 19.4 overs, Dhaka pacer Taskin Ahmed ran riot, picking up four wickets for just nine runs in his 3.3 overs to help his side bundle out Khulna for 84 runs in 15.3 overs.

In a dramatic turn of events, Khulna went from 58 for three in 10 overs to losing their next seven wickets in a span of just 33 deliveries as Dhaka registered their second win from eight games. 

Tamim Iqbal top-scored with a 23-ball 30 while skipper Yasir Ali added 21 runs as no other Khulna batters were able to reach double-figure marks. Apart from Taskin, Dhaka skipper Nasir Hossain, pacer Al Amin Hossain, and left-arm spinner Amir Hamza bagged two wickets each.

Earlier, Khulna's off-spinner Nahidul Islam registered incredible figures of four for six in his four overs -- the bowler's career-best T20 figures and also the most economical figure in BPL history -- to dismantle the Dhaka top order. Nahidul also bowled two maidens in his spell, making him only the fourth bowler to do so in BPL.

Opener Soumya Sarkar returned amongst the runs, scoring 57 off 45 balls. The left-handed opener hit six fours and two sixes. However, no other Dhaka batters were able to make an impact.

Among the Khulna bowlers, Nasum Ahmed bowled brilliantly as the spinner scalped three wickets giving away just eleven runs. Mohammad Saifuddin, Nahid Rana, and Wahab Riaz also took a wicket each for Khulna.