Khulna Tigers secure easy win over Rangpur Riders in BPL eliminator

Khulna Tigers dominated Rangpur Riders in the BPL eliminator match, securing a comfortable nine-wicket victory. The win puts Khulna into the second qualifier, where they will face the losing team from the first qualifier later today.

Rangpur, choosing to bat first, were bowled out for a paltry 85 runs. Khulna's spinners, led by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nasum Ahmed, took three wickets each. Rangpur’s batting lineup, despite featuring big names, struggled badly and were reduced to 52 for 9 at one stage.

Despite the return of key players Andre Russell, James Vince, and Tim David from their ILT20 stints, Rangpur's batting faltered. Vince was dismissed for 1. Tim David followed with just 7 runs off 9 balls, and Russell was clean bowled by Mohammad Nawaz for 4 in the 12th over. 

The lower-order was no better, as Khulna’s spinners dismissed the rest of the batting line-up, leaving Rangpur struggling at 52 for 9. Only a late fightback from Akif Javed, who scored a 32 runs from No. 10, kept the score from being even lower.

In reply, Khulna made light work of the target. The only setback came when Mehidy was dismissed in the first over. Mohammad Naim continued his excellent form, scoring an unbeaten 48 runs off 33 balls, including three fours and four sixes. This performance took him to the top of the BPL run-scorer’s chart. Alex Ross supported with a steady 29 off 27 balls, securing Khulna’s win in just 10.2 overs.

Khulna’s solid performance comes at the perfect time, as they have now won three consecutive matches. After finishing fourth in the league stage, they qualify for the next eliminator. Rangpur’s season, on the other hand, ends here, despite their previous success.