Hodge leads Barisal to 8-wicket win

Brad Hodge led from the front, scoring a solid fifty, to help Barisal Burners beat Khulna Royal Bengals by eight wickets in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Sunday. Hodge scored an entertaining 53 off just 40 balls that included five fours and a six.

Chasing 143 to win, he along with fellow opener Phil Mustard provided solid start to Barisal as they shared 78-run opening stand. Dolar Mahmud got better off Mustard in the ninth over. But his wicket hardly bothered Hodge, who continued to dominate Khulna bowlers.

Sanjamul Islam sent back Hodge for 53, but the new batsmen - Joe Denly and Azhar Mahmood - shared an unbeaten 45-run stand to take them home. It was the first win for Barisal in this year's competetion.

Brad Hodge led from the front, scoring a solid fifty, to help Barisal Burners beat Khulna Royal Bengals by eight wickets.

Earlier, choosing to bat first Khulna got off to a worst possible start, losing Nazimuddin of the very first ball. Next to go was Harris in the fifth over with 30 runs on the board. Captain Shahriar Nafees and Riki Wessels consolidated the innings with solid 43 and 48 respectively. But once the duo departed, Khulna managed to put just 142 on board.

Shafiul Islam, Azhar Mahmood, Elias Sunny and Alok Kapali picked up one wicket each.

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