Shamim Hossain's brave innings went in vain as Chittagong Kings suffered a 37-run defeat against Khulna Tigers in their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)  encounter at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Shamim hit a brisk 78 off just 38 balls with seven fours and five sixes but found no support from the other batters Chittagong got bundled out for 166 in 18.5 overs, chasing 204.

Pacer Abu Hider was the pick of the bowlers despite being on the expensive side, going for 44 runs but claiming four wickets.

Earlier, Mahidul Islam Ankon hit a half-century in just 18 balls – the fastest ever for a Bangladeshi in BPL –, remaining unbeaten on 59 off just 22 balls while Australian opener William Bosisto top-scored with 75 not out off 50 balls to power Khulna to 203-4 after they were sent to bat first.

Aliss Al Islam and Khaled Ahmed took two wickets each for Chittagong.

Chasing a mammoth score, Chittagong were practically out of the game after they were six down in just seven overs with 57 runs on the board.

Shamim then began his counter-attacking knock and was particularly ruthless against left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, who he took for 21 runs in the 13th over with two fours and sixes apiece.

The Southpaw's heroic knock came to an end in the penultimate over, when he got caught at extra cover while trying to clear the ropes against Hider.

Number 11 batter Khaled Ahmed hit Hider for consecutive sixes before giving a return catch to the bowler.

In the day's second match, Rangpur Riders will take on Sylhet Strikers at the same venue.