Khulna Tigers won their first three games in a row but then suffered two consecutive defeats which is a big setback for Mushfiqur and his men. On the other hand, Andre Russell-led Royals registered third win to prove themselves a strong contender of BPL title.
Replying to Khulna Tigers’ 145 for nine in 20 overs, Royals got a strong opening stand of 75 runs by Liton Das and Afif Hossain. Both of them were charging Khulna’s bowlers from the beginning of the innings.
Before being dismissed by dint of a run-out, Afif scored 22 off 18 with three fours. But, Liton was firm on the other end of the wicket. He fell as the second wicket hitting 58 off 44 with five fours and two sixes.
Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik came at number three and scored 16 off 19 balls. He was removed by Robbie Frylinck. In the fourth wicket stand, Andre Russell and Ravi Bopara added 32 runs to seal the game for the Royals.
Frylinck and Shahidul Islam took one wicket each for Khulna Tigers.
Earlier, Khulna Tigers tumbled for 145 for 9 in stipulated 20 overs. Royals captain Andre Russell won the toss and sent Khulna to bat first. Going to bat, Tigers lost both of their openers within just six runs with Afghanistan batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz scoring four and Mehidy Hasan Miraz suffered a duck. Both of them fell prey to Andre Russell.
After their dismissal, right-arm pacer Kamrul Islam Rabbi removed Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto in two successive deliveries.
Mushfiqur has been doing great in the event, but this time around, he failed to cope up. His quick dismissal was a big blow for the Khulna Tigers.
Khulna were stuttering for 29 for four, but Rilee Rossouw and Shamsur Rahman added 31 runs in the 5th wicket stand. However, they failed to produce a good run.
Rossouw fell as the 5th batsman scoring 35 runs off 26 balls while Shamsur hit a fifty. The right-handed batsman ended on 55 off 46 ball with four fours and one six.
South African all-rounder Robbie Frylinck was the only other batsman to have scored two-digit score- 31 off 26 balls with two fours and one six.
Royals captain Russell bagged four wickets conceding 37 runs in four overs while Kamrul Islam scalped two wickets.
Before this game, Khulna played four matches and won three of them while Royals played three games and won two of them.
Royals will face Cumilla Warriors on December 24 at the same venue while Khulna Tigers will play their next game on the next Dhaka-phase of BPL on December 27 against Rangpur Rangers at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.