SYS vs KT (17th Match) – Highlights
This piece dives into the electrifying showdown between SYS and KT during the 17th Match of the Bangladesh Premier League 2025, hosted in Sylhet on January 12. The match was a high-octane affair, with the Strikers posting a competitive total of 182/5 in their allotted 20 overs. The Tigers, despite their valiant efforts in the chase, fell short by 8 runs, ending their innings at 174/9.
Batting first, Sylhet Strikers set a formidable target of 182/5 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a remarkable batting display led by Zakir Hasan. After losing Rahkeem Cornwall (4 off 5) and George Munsey (2 off 7) early, the Strikers relied on a solid partnership between Rony Talukdar and Zakir Hasan to steady their innings. Rony played a composed knock of 56 off 44 balls, striking five boundaries and two sixes before being dismissed by Abu Hider.
The star of the innings was Zakir Hasan, who played a sensational unbeaten knock of 75 runs off just 46 balls, displaying a mix of power and finesse. His innings included three boundaries and six towering sixes, providing the much-needed momentum in the latter half. Aaron Jones made a quickfire cameo, blasting 20 runs off just six balls, which included three massive sixes, before falling to Ziaur Rahman.
Skipper Ariful Haque contributed an important 21 not out off 13 balls to ensure the Strikers posted an imposing total. Among Khulna’s bowlers, Abu Hider was the standout performer, claiming 2/25 in his four overs, while Ziaur Rahman also chipped in with two wickets but proved expensive, conceding 39 runs in three overs.
In response, KT began their chase on a shaky note, losing Mohammad Naim (11 off 9) and Imrul Kayes (2 off 3) early. William Bosisto anchored the innings with a steady 43 off 40 balls, hitting five boundaries, but his strike rate wasn’t sufficient to keep up with the mounting required run rate. Darwish Rasooli tried to up the ante with a quick 15 off eight balls, but his dismissal to Reece Topley added to the Tigers’ woes.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz (15 off 14) and Mohammad Nawaz (33 off 18) injected some life into the chase with quick runs, but the team kept losing wickets at crucial junctures. Mahidul Islam Ankon contributed a brisk 28 off 16 balls, and Abu Hider’s cameo of 14 off six balls gave a glimmer of hope. However, disciplined bowling from SYS, led by Ruyel Miah and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who both picked up two wickets each, ensured that the Tigers fell short by eight runs, finishing at 174/9.
Reece Topley also played a vital role, picking up 2/45 and delivering under pressure. Despite the Tigers’ lower-order resilience, Sylhet’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs, securing a thrilling win and adding two crucial points to their tally.
Sylhet Strikers vs Khulna Tigers Scoreboard
Sylhet Strikers– 182/5
Khulna Tigers– 174/9 (20/20)
Result – Strikers won by 8 runs
Player of the Match – Zakir Hasan
SYS vs KT Playing XI
Sylhet Strikers
Rony Talukdar, Rahkeem Cornwall, George Munsey, Zakir Hasan(WK), Aaron Jones, Jaker Ali, Ariful Haque(C), Nahidul Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Reece Topley, Ruyel Miah
Khulna Tigers
William Bosisto, Mohammad Naim, Imrul Kayes, Darwish Rasooli, Mehidy Hasan Miraz(C), Mohammad Nawaz, Mahidul Islam Ankon(WK), Ziaur Rahman, Abu Hider, Nasum Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud
Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.