The Sylhet phase of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) ended yesterday with the first defeat of the hosts Sylhet Sixers to a rejuvenated Khulna Titans, who rode on an excellent bowling performance from their bowlers to secure a six-wicket victory at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

So far, Sylhet’s three straight wins was attributed to the opening partnerships between Upul Tharanga and Andre Fletcher who combined for two century and one half-century stand in the last three matches. The pair failed to deliver for the first time yesterday which ultimately hurt their side’s campaign in the ongoing BPL.  They added just 19 to their partnership as Sylhet Sixers were restricted to a moderate 135 for five, a score that Khulna Titans overhauled with two overs to spare to register their first victory.

Like the partnership, Tharanga’s one bad day in the office was also instrumental to Sylhet’s first defeat. After smashing three consecutive half-century, Tharanga was dismissed for 26 off 24 in the match, while his fellow opener Andre Fletcher (4) was out with a single digit figure for the first time, exposing Sylhet’s middle order before 10 overs.

Sabbir Rahman, the team’s Icon continued his poor run in the tournament as he was out with naught, perishing to a sheer pace generated by Khulna’s Caribbean recruit Jofra Archer. To their credit, Titans bowlers bowled in a disciplined manner to not allow Sylhet batsmen charge them at will.

As Tharanga and Fletcher had a bad day, Sylhet was much dependant on Danushka Gunathilaka to soar the run rate but he too was dismissed on 25 off 26, leaving the onus on skipper Nasir Hossain.

Nasir shared a 57-run partnership with Ross Whiteley (27) but could never come up with big shots that was needed in setting a challenging score. Nasir still raised the prospect of becoming the first Bangladeshi batsman in this BPL to hit a half-century, only to be denied by Abu Jayed’s intelligent death over bowling. Nasir was the highest scorer with an unbeaten 35-ball 47, an innings adorned with five fours.

Archer and Mahmudullah Riyad claimed two wickets apiece in a measly bowling.

In defence, Sylhet left arm spinner Taijul Islam returned figures of 4-0-19-3 in his four-over spell at a stretch to leave Khulna at 43 for three, raising the hopes of keeping their winning-spree. His three wickets included danger man Chadwick Walton and Rilee Rossouw.

Khulna still had the advantage, considering the target wasn’t big. They needed one significant partnership, which they got in Mahmudullah Riyad and their Australian recruit Michael Klinger. They added 50 off 44 for the fourth wicket to bring the victory in sight before Riyad perished on 27.

Klinger and Craig Brathwaite then sailed the side home without any fuss. Klinger was unbeaten on 47 off 36 with Brathwaite on 23 not out.