A do-or-die match—losing meant elimination, winning kept playoff hopes alive. In such a high-stakes encounter, Khulna Tigers secured a dominant victory over Rangpur Riders, thanks to a brilliant century from Mohammad Naim Sheikh. With this win, Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s team kept their playoff chances alive in the ongoing BPL season.
In a crucial battle for survival, Khulna defeated Rangpur Riders by 46 runs. This victory took Miraz’s side to 10 points from 11 matches, keeping them in the playoff race. As a result, Durbar Rajshahi’s wait for qualification continues.
Despite losing four consecutive matches, Rangpur Riders remain unaffected. Having won their first eight matches in a row, they secured a playoff spot early with 16 points.
On Thursday, at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Khulna set a challenging total of 220/4, powered by Naim Sheikh’s century. Only one higher team total has been recorded at the venue—Fortune Barishal’s 221 in the 2020 Bangabandhu T20 Cup, surpassing Minister Rajshahi’s 220.
Opening the innings and staying unbeaten till the end, Naim Sheikh played a stunning knock of 111* off 62 balls, smashing 7 fours and 8 sixes.
Chasing a massive target of 221 in 120 balls, Rangpur Riders could only manage 174/9, despite a lone battle from Soumya Sarkar. He top-scored with 74 off 48 balls, hitting 6 fours and 5 sixes. Meanwhile, Mushfik Hasan, returning to recognized cricket after nine months, impressed with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 24 runs.
