Khulna Tigers, riding on Mohammad Naim’s century, keep their hope alive to reach the play-off stage of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Cricket with one match to spare beating Rangpur Riders by 46 runs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday.
Despite of the day’s 4th consecutive defeat, Rangpur Riders reached the best two team’s “qualifiers” from the seven-team league alongwith league leader Fortune Barishal securing 16 and 18 points respectively, playing 12 and 11 matches.
Khulna Tigers have secured 10 points from 11 matches to stay in the race and will play their remaining match with lowly Dhaka Capitals on February 1.
Chittagong Kings and Durbar Rajshahi are ahead of Khulna Tigers collecting 12 points each playing 10 and 12 matches respectively.
However, Chittagonmg Kings playing lowly Sylhet Strikers Thursday evening and will face league leader Fortune Barisal on February 1.
In the day’s do or die match, Khulna Tigers batted first after winning the toss and piled up a huge total of 220 runs for 4 in stipulated 20 overs featuring a brilliant century by opener Mohammad Naim.
Mohammad Naim hammered 111 runs off just 62 balls featuring seven four and eight sixes and was adjudged the player of the match.
Besides, William Bosisto (36), Mahidul Islam Ankon (29), captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz (21), and Alex Ross (12) were the other notable scorers for Khulna Tigers.
BPL Cricket: Chittagong Kings almost assures play-off berth beating Rangpur Riders
Akif Javed, Iftikar Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan took one wicket each
In reply, Rangpur Riders were forced to fold their innings at 174 for 9 in quota 20 overs with national colored opener Soumya Sarkar contributing the team highest 74 runs off 48 balls hitting six four and five sixes.
Besides, Mahedi Hasan (27),. Iftikar Ahmed (19) , Mohammad Saiffun (18), Rakibul Hasan 14) were main scorers for Rangpur Riders reaching double digit runs.
Musfik Hasan grabbed three wicket for 24 runs while Mohammad Newas took two for 8 runs.