Khulna knocked out heavyweight Rangpur in Eliminator
Andre Russell in action against Khulna, Cricfrenzy
Even though Akif Javed managed to add some late runs, Rangpur couldn’t cross the 100-run mark, getting bowled out for just 85 runs in 16.5 overs and Khulna comfortably past the total with nine wickets in hand.
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Pakistani all-rounders Khushdil Shah and Iftikhar Ahmed had been instrumental in securing Rangpur’s place in the playoffs. However, Khushdil returned to Pakistan after being called up to the national team, and Iftikhar was left out of the playing XI despite the team’s star-studded lineup.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Rangpur Riders found themselves in deep trouble, losing 5 wickets for just 19 runs in the first six overs.
Nasum Ahmed struck early with two wickets in his two-over spell. Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up a wicket in his second over, while Soumya Sarkar was run out in Miraz’s first over.
Hasan Mahmud then joined the attack, claiming another wicket in the sixth over. Rangpur’s collapse continued, with the team reeling at 50 for 7 and 52 for 9.
Pakistani left-arm pacer Akif Javed provided some resistance, scoring 32 off 18 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, to save Rangpur from an even worse collapse.
Earlier, opener Soumya Sarkar was dismissed for a golden duck without facing a ball. English opener James Vince managed just 1 run off 7 balls before falling to a brilliant catch off Nasum’s bowling.
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Sheikh Mahedi scored 1 run off 5 balls before being bowled, while Saif Hassan contributed 4 runs off 10 balls. Mohammad Saifuddin scored 8 off 8, and Andre Russell was dismissed for 4 off 9 balls. Nurul Hasan’s 23 off 25 balls was the team’s second-highest score.
Khulna’s spin duo of Miraz and Nasum played pivotal roles in dismantling Rangpur’s batting lineup.
Miraz took 3 wickets for just 10 runs in his 4-over spell, while Nasum claimed 3 wickets for 16 runs. Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Mahmud, and Mushfik Hasan chipped in with one wicket each.
Later, Akif gave Rangpur Riders an early breakthrough by dismissing Khulna Tigers’ skipper Miraz on the third ball of the innings. However, Rangpur’s spinners couldn’t replicate the dominance shown by Khulna’s spin attack, as the in-form Mohammad Naim capitalized during the Powerplay.
Khulna raced to 51 runs within the first six overs, with Naim exploiting loose deliveries to make the chase look easy.
He sealed the victory with a six off Rakibul Hasan, finishing unbeaten on 48 from 33 balls. Alex Ross supported him with an unbeaten 29, as Khulna cruised to victory with 9.4 overs remaining.
