The Daily Morning Voice Online Desk: Pakistan’s Usman Khan smashed his first T20 century to help Chattogram Challengers get their first victory in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after defeating Khulna Tigers on Monday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka’s Mirpur. Batting first, Khulna Tigers posted 178 runs, riding on the century of another Pakistani, Azam Khan. In response, Usman upstaged Azam to power Chattogram to a nine-wicket win. He remained unbeaten on 103 off 58 balls, with five fours and three sixes.

Chasing 179, Usman and Max O’Dowd shared an opening stand of 141 runs. Nahidul Islam broke the partnership, but it was too late for Khulna. Earlier, Azam hit the first ton of the BPL 2023, helping Khulna post 178 for five with his unbeaten 109 off 57 balls. Azam came to the crease as the number four batter after Khulna lost two wickets for only 12 runs. On the way to his first T20 century, Azam hit nine fours and eight sixes. His previous best in T20 was 88. Earlier, Khulna played their first match against Dhaka Dominators, which they lost by six wickets.