Debutant Durdanto Dhaka had an impressive start to their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) journey, defeating defending champions Comilla Victorians by five wickets on Friday, reports UNB.

With Dhaka's victory, the new season of BPL commenced at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Imrul Kayes contributed 66, and Towhid Hridoy added 47 runs for the Victorians. Shoriful Islam stole the limelight with his maiden hat-trick in the last three balls of the innings.

Shoriful claimed three wickets, while Taskin Ahmed took two for Dhaka.

In response, Dhaka successfully chased the target of 144 with five wickets and four balls in hand.

Mohammad Naim and Danushka Gunathilaka's 100-run partnership in the first wicket set the stage for Dhaka's victory. Naim scored 52 off 40 balls, while Danushka contributed 41. Irfan Sukkur added 24 runs.

For Comilla, Tanvir Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman took two wickets each, but their efforts fell short of avoiding defeat.

The first match of BPL witnessed nearly a full-house spectators at the stadium.

In the second match of the opening day of BPL 2024, Sylhet Strikers will face the Chattogram Challengers.

Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan