Shakib roars against Sylhet

Skipper Shakib Al Hasan's all-round performance helped Dhaka Dynamites return to winning ways as they recorded a six-wicket win over Sylhet Sixers in yesterday's first Bangladesh Premier League game at the Sylhet International Stadium.

After bagging two wickets for just 34 runs from four overs, the champion cricketer struck his first fifty of the sixth edition and remained unbeaten on a 41-ball 61, which included eight fours and two sixes, to comfortably chase the target of 159 runs with three overs to spare.

It was Shakib's first fifty in the BPL since he scored 59 runs for Dhaka Gladiators against Chittagong Vikings back in 2013 in the second edition of the tournament and his celebration after reaching the feat showed how important the knock was for him.

Dhaka were struggling on 37 for three inside five overs before Shakib steadied the ship for the table-toppers and ensured his side would avoid a second successive defeat. Sylhet on the other hand are struggling after losing their fourth game in six matches.

Shakib along with Andre Russell added an unbeaten 51-run fifth wicket stand, with the West Indies' hard-hitter smashing four sixes and two fours to remain not out on 40 runs off just 21 balls.

In the day's second game, Comilla Victorians were set a challenging 182-run target by Khulna Titans. Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque strung together a 115-run opening partnership to hand the Victorians a strong start before the side eventually ran home with a three-wicket win.

Khulna opener Junaid Siddique provided the platform for the huge total, scoring 70 off just 41 balls. He smashed four sixes and as many fours. Al-Amin was the second highest scorer with 32 off just 19 balls but it was all for nought as Khulna were denied what could have been their second win in six games.

Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi was the pick of the bowlers for Comilla as the leg-spinner bagged three wickets while country-man Wahab Riaz took two wickets.