DHAKA, Jan 9, 2023 (BSS) - Chattogram Challengers' Pakistan recruit Usman Khan replied his compatriot Azam Khan's maiden century with his own maiden century as his side chased down a 179-run target with ease to crush Khulna Tigers by 9 wickets at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Both of the batters reached their landmark, hitting six but while Usman Khan took 55 balls to complete his century, Azam faced off 57 deliveries. Azam however hardly got any support from his colleagues but Usman got ample, which made the eventual difference.

Azam Khan's 58 ball-109 not out that included nine fours and eight sixes steered Khulna to 178-5 from a disastrous position. Still he ended up being in losing-side as Chattogram which lost the first game to Sylhete by eight wickets hunted down the target with four balls to spare, making 179-1.

Usman was ably supported by his fellow opener Max O'Dowd-the batter from Netherlands scored 58 off 50 with five fours and three sixes but mostly important he and Usman combined for a 141-run in their opening stand to take the side on the verge of a victory.

Pacer Nahidul Islam broke the partnership to prevent his side from losing the game by all 10 wickets even though it was not enough to save them from second straight defeat.

Usman then sailed the side home, accompanied by Afif Hossain who was not out on 6. The little known Pakistan recruit however struck 10 fours and five sixes in his unbeaten 102 off 57.

Earlier, wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan became the first player to hit the century of this season of BPL.

In fact the 9th season of BPL saw the first century from any batter in just the third of the tournament.

Thanks to his swashbuckling knock Khulna which lost the first game to Dhaka Dominators by 6 wickets, reached a position that looked impossible at one stage.

It was however Azam Khan's first century in T20 cricket in 93 matches. Earlier he had two half-centuries with the highest of 83. Azam, the son of former Pakistan wicket-keeper Moeen Khan played three T20 Internationals for his country but could never cross the single digit figure.

Azam brought up his fifty in this match off 33 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. But as the time progressed, he went on berserk on the bowlers when his other colleagues including Tamim Iqbal found them in wanting.

Coming to bat as No. 4 batter, with Khulna reeling to a miserable 12-2 after being sent to bat first, Azam rescued the side from the initial trouble, having stitched a 92-run partnership with Tamim for the third wicket stand.

Needless to say, he dominated in the partnership when Tamim put pressure on the scoreboard, batting at snail's pace. As has been the case, when Tamim looked to amend his slow start, he was dismissed by Sri Lankan leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, scoring 40 off 37.

But Azam was unfazed. He rather unleashed some powerful shots from his repertoire to send the bowlers in receiving end. No bowlers in fact was spared as Azam who became more dangerous after crossing his fifty, took the bowlers in disdain.

He however brought up his century in the last over, hitting fast bowler Mrittunjoy Chowdhury consecutive four and six. The six in the penultimate delivery helped him complete his maiden T20 century off just 57 balls. Then he also hit six in the last ball to sing off the innings in emphatic style.

Apart from Azam and Tamim, Sabbir Rahman was the other batter to reach double digit mark, making 10.
 
Abu Jayed Rahi was the most successful bowler for Chattogram with 2-29 while Shuvagata Hom, Viyaskanth and Ziaur Rahman took one wicket apiece.