Rangpur Riders solidified their dominance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with an 8-run win over Khulna Tigers in Sylhet on Monday, maintaining their flawless record in the tournament.
A disciplined bowling effort by Rangpur and a surprising late collapse by Khulna secured the Riders’ seventh consecutive win in a match that reached a climax in the last overs.
Rangpur batted first and posted 186 for 5, powered by Khushdil Shah’s unbeaten 73 off just 35 balls, featuring seven sixes. His 115-run stand with Iftikhar Ahmed, who scored 43 off 36, rescued the Riders after a slow start.
Khulna bowlers Abu Hider and Hasan Mahmud took two wickets each but struggled to contain Rangpur’s middle-order fireworks.
BPL: Clark shines as Chittagong Kings beat Sylhet Strikers by 30 runs
In their chase, Khulna appeared on course for victory at 164 for 4, needing only 22 runs off the final 18 balls with six wickets in hand.
However, Rangpur’s bowlers, led by Akif Javed, who took 3 for 29 runs, and Saifuddin, who bagged 2 for 28 runs, turned the tide with a great comeback.
A series of quick wickets, including two run-outs, saw Khulna collapse, losing six batters for just 12 runs and finishing at 178 for 9.
Shakib, Litton left out as Bangladesh announce Champions Trophy squad
Khulna’s Mohammad Naim scored 58 off 41 balls, while skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with a 39 off 24. Despite their efforts, Khulna fell short, extending their losing streak to three matches after winning their opening two.