|| CF Correspondent ||

Khulna Tigers Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz said that the presence of Rilee Rossouw helped him express him freely during their match against Chattogram Challengers at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Gurbaz became the second-fastest half-centurion in BPL history after reaching the mark off just 18 balls, helping Khulna Tigers a sensational start, that was a catalyst in their comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Chattogram Challengers.

After his start, Rilee Rossouw then held the key, with a sublime 38 ball-64  not out to help Khulna winning start to their Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) campaign on Thursday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

Afghanistan recruit Gurbaz however was dismissed in the next ball after completing his half-century as he played one shot too many against Muktar Ali whom he treated in disdain.

Before that he and Rossouw combined for 70 runs off just 32 balls for the second wickets to keep Chattogram in good stead win the game.

Rossouw then completed to what looked inevitable as Khulna cantered to the victory by making 146-2 in just 13.5 overs, overhauling Chattogram’s 144-6.

It was Chattogram’s first defeat after winning the first match against Sylhet Thunder by five wickets.

‘’The wicket was beautiful and our coach and captain told us to play our natural game,’’ Gurbaaz told reporters after the match.

‘’I played my natural game,’’ he said.

‘’The wicket was supporting for the bowling. So making runs was easy and when the batsman had a good day like me and Rossouw you can do everything,’’ he said.

Gurbaz struck five sixes and four fours in a knock to hit the half-century in just 18 balls to become the second-fastest half-centurion in BPL history. Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad remains the record holder of the feat with 16 ball-50 in BPL history.