Match Center

Right then, that is it from this game. We have a couple of days break before the Chattogram leg of the Bangladesh Premier League 2024/25. A double header is lined up on 16th January, Thursday. First, it will be a clash between Fortune Barishal and Dhaka Capitals at 1 pm IST (7.30 am GMT). Then Khulna Tigers take on the hosts, Chittagong Kings at 6 pm IST (12.30 pm GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to both matches. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Akif Javed is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his superb bowling performance.

Mehidy Hasan, the captain of Khulna Tigers says that he is very disappointed with the result. Adds that they needed 22 in the last three overs but do not know what the batters were thinking out there. Mentions that they did well in Powerplay, but failed to find the fence after that. Says Mohammad Naim batted well but these things happen in cricket, and they need to move on. Ends by saying that they will take the learnings from this game and come back stronger in the next one.

Presentation Time...

Rangpur Riders had an up-and-down bowling performance but pulled off a miraculous finish. Akif Javed provided an early breakthrough, but the team couldn’t capitalize on it, and his dropped catch of Mehidy Hasan didn’t help their cause. Mohammad Saifuddin stepped up in the middle overs, dismissing the opposition skipper, while Mahedi Hasan struck a crucial blow by removing Mohammad Naim, opening the door for a comeback. However, the dew made it challenging for the bowlers to maintain control, leading to a flurry of runs. Despite the pressure, the Riders kept fighting. Mahedi picked up another key wicket, and Javed added two more to his tally, ramping up the tension. Saifuddin was tasked with defending 11 runs in the final over, and it had everything - intensity, drama, two incredible run outs, and nerves. Saifuddin held his composure, conceding just 3 runs to seal a stunning victory.

Earlier in the match, the Rangpur Riders recovered from a slow start to post a competitive total, thanks to a brilliant 115-run partnership between Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah. Khushdil was particularly outstanding, smashing an unbeaten 73 off just 35 deliveries. For the Khulna Tigers, Abu Hider and Hasan Mahmud claimed two wickets each, but Mohammad Nawaz stood out with his exceptional economy, conceding only 17 runs in his three overs.

Khulna Tigers got off to a steady start despite the early dismissal of Darwish Rasooli. Skipper Mehidy Hasan joined Mohammad Naim and built a solid 61-run partnership, with Mehidy benefiting from a couple of chances along the way. However, his dismissal came at a crucial juncture, shifting the pressure onto Naim. While Naim crafted a well-earned half-century, he too fell with the game hanging in the balance. Afif Hossain took them closer to victory, but his untimely departure added to the drama. With 22 runs needed in 17 balls and 6 wickets in hand, the Tigers managed only 13 runs, losing 5 wickets in the process. They let the game slip through their fingers and will be left ruing their missed opportunity.

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE GAME OF CRICKET! Rangpur Riders have pulled off a sensational victory, turning the match on its head when it seemed all but lost. This is exactly why they remain unbeaten at the top of the league - hey thrive under pressure and know how to seize the key moments. For the Khulna Tigers, this defeat will sting deeply, as they had the match firmly in their grasp but let it slip away in dramatic fashion.

Could he have gone for the catch? Well, don't think the fielder was interested in going for it. Saifuddin wanted him to though. On middle. Fuller. This is lofted down the ground towards long on. The fielder holds his ground. A single only. RANGPUR RIDERS WIN BY 8 RUNS!

Salman Irshad is the last man in.

OUT! TAKEN! What an over this is from Saifuddin. What a turnaround! Brilliant! This is a full toss. A low full toss. Abu Hider hits it flat and hard but straight to long on. The fielder there takes it just ahead of the ropes. That surely is the game now if a legal ball is bowled. Mehidy Hasan is livid. He's absolutely disgusted.

OUT! TAKEN! What an over this is from Saifuddin. What a turnaround! Brilliant! This is a full toss. A low full toss. Abu Hider hits it flat and hard but straight to long on. The fielder there takes it just ahead of the ropes. That surely is the game now if a legal ball is bowled. Mehidy Hasan is livid. He's absolutely disgusted.

Hasan Mahmud comes out to the middle now.

OUT! RUN OUT! Again. This is sloppy from Nasum. That could have been one. A slower short ball outside off. Nasim looks to pull but missed. They look to sneak a bye. The keeper looks to throw it at his end but misses the stumps. The bowler collects it and takes the bails off at his end. Nasum'a bat is in the air as he does not ground it. The only good thing here is, Abu Hider is on strike.

OUT! RUN OUT! Again. This is sloppy from Nasum. That could have been one. A slower short ball outside off. Nasim looks to pull but missed. They look to sneak a bye. The keeper looks to throw it at his end but misses the stumps. The bowler collects it and takes the bails off at his end. Nasum'a bat is in the air as he does not ground it. The only good thing here is, Abu Hider is on strike.

OUT! RUN OUT! Is that the game? Nawaz goes and the new batter will be on strike! Brilliant from the deep. A direct hit. This is outside off. Nawaz looks to go over covers but mistimes it. They take one and go for the second. The throw from the deep from Saif Hassan hits the stumps at the keeper's end. They take it upstairs, and Nawaz is short. Also, Nasum Ahmed walks out to bat now.

OUT! RUN OUT! Is that the game? Nawaz goes and the new batter will be on strike! Brilliant from the deep. A direct hit. This is outside off. Nawaz looks to go over covers but mistimes it. They take one and go for the second. The throw from the deep from Saif Hassan hits the stumps at the keeper's end. They take it upstairs, and Nawaz is short. Also, Nasum Ahmed walks out to bat now.

WIDE! Extras will help! This is a wayward full toss, very wide outside off. Left alone. The Khulna Tigers hut are asking if that is No Ball or not, but the umpires says no.