|| CF DESK ||

Sylhet Strikers clinched an 8-wicket win against Chattogram Challengers in the opening match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, on Friday.

Chasing a below-par target of 90 runs, opener Najmul Hossain Shanto began on a positive note with the support of Zakir Hasan as the duo added 63 runs for the second wicket stand.

Zakir departed on 27 off 21 deliveries when Pushpakumara trapped him into LBW while Shanto remained unbeaten on 43 off 41 balls which featured three 4's and a six.

Sylhet's Rejaur Rahman Raja picked up four-for to restrict Chattogram Challengers to 89-9 after 20 overs after opting to bowl first.

Apart from Raja, Mohammad Amir took a couple of wickets and Mashrafe Mortaza, Colin Ackerman took one wicket each for Sylhet.

Afif Hossain was the highest run-getter for Chattogram, who scored 25 runs off 23 aided by three boundaries while skipper Shuvagata Hom played a brief inning of 18 runs. 

The eight other remaining batters failed to cross the double digits beside opener Mehedi Maruf (11).