In the 20th match of the National Cricket League (NCL), Khulna Division recorded a commanding eight-wicket victory over Barisal Division. After winning the toss and opting to field, Khulna restricted Barisal to 137 for 7, then chased down the target with ease, reaching 138 for 2 in 16.3 overs.
Barisal got off to a steady start, posting a 37-run opening stand. Azmir Ahmed scored 24 from 17 balls, while his opening partner added 34 from 32. Experienced batter Fazle Mahmud played a cautious knock of 32 off 35 deliveries.
Captain Salman added 15 runs from 12 balls, and Sohag Gazi matched that with 15 off 14. However, the rest of the batting line-up failed to contribute meaningfully, and Barisal could only manage a modest total of 137 from their 20 overs.
Khulna’s bowlers kept things tight. Ziaur Rahman was particularly effective, taking 2 wickets for just 14 runs in 2 overs. Sheikh Parvez Jibon also impressed, finishing with figures of 2 for 25 from his full quota of 4 overs.
In response, Khulna began strongly with a 43-run opening partnership. Imran Uzzaman struck 30 from 21 deliveries, hitting three fours and two sixes before his dismissal. Afif Hossain Dhrubo then partnered with Anamul Haque Bijoy to add 67 valuable runs. Afif played a calm innings of 21 from 24 balls, including three boundaries.
Captain Mohammad Mithun contributed an unbeaten 8 from 7 balls, while Bijoy led the chase with an explosive 72 from 47 balls. His innings featured six fours and three sixes, striking at 153.19.
Khulna completed the chase in just 16.3 overs, finishing on 138 for 2 and sealing a comfortable victory with 21 balls remaining.
