Khulna Tigers defeated Rangpur Riders by 46 runs today at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Photo: Bangladesh Cricket Facebook page.

 
DHAKA, Jan 30, 2025 (BSS)- Khulna Tigers kept its Bangladesh Premier League 
(BPL) playoffs hopes alive after beating Rangpur Riders by 46 runs at Sher-e-
Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.
 
Opener Naim Sheikh smashed his maiden ton in the BPL to play a vital role in 
helping the side stay in the race. Khulna will take on Dhaka Capitals in 
their last match on Saturday and if they win that match, they will move to 
the playoffs straightway at the expense of the Durbar Rajshahi.
 
Naim carried the bat throughout the innings to remain unbeaten on 111 off 62, 
his career-best knock, belting seven fours and eight sixes. It was his second 
century in the recognized T20 cricket.

Thanks to his knock, Khulna racked up a mammoth 220-4, a total that proved to 
be too hot to handle for Rangpur which was restricted to 174-9.

The defeat meant Rangpur lost four straight matches, after winning first 
eight matches on the trot to confirm that they will not only move to the 
playoffs but will finish as top two teams, which will get them the 
opportunity to play the first Qualifier.

Despite the defeat, Soumya Sarkar's return to form came as good news for 
Rangpur. Soumya waged a lone battle by hammering 48 ball-74 with six fours 
and five sixes.
 
However, William Bosisto made 36 while Mahidul Islam Ankon scored 29 off 15 
with three fours and one six to complement Naim Sheikh.

Naim gave the side a powerful start after Khulna captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz 
opted to bat first.

Amid Naim's firework, Khulna lost Miraz who opened the innings, for 21 and 
Alex Ross for 12, to be left to 60-2 in 7.2 overs.

Naim thereafter stitched two big partnerships-- 88 runs with Bosisto and 78 
runs with Ankon-- to steer the side past 200.
 
Mahedi Hasan, Akif Javed and Iftikhar Ahmed picked up one wicket apiece.
Rangpur started with a bang thanks to Soumya's power-hitting but the other 
batters couldn't match his aggression, leaving Rangpur at precarious 
position.

Opener Tawfique Khan Tushar and No.3 batter Saif Hassan were dismissed for 
single digit figure as Rangpur were left to 36-2 in fifth over.

Iftikhar Ahmed looked to complement Soumya but he too failed to convert his 
start and was out for 19. 

While Soumya continued batting with aggressive fashion, the other batters 
crumbled under pressure that eventually sank Rangpur. 

Somuya was removed in the last batter when Hasan Mahmud rattled his stump 
with a pinpoint yorker delivery.

Mushfik Hasan scalped 3-24 for Khulna to cause havoc on Rangpur's middle 
order.