Rajshahi edge closer to Playoffs with victory over Sylhet Strikers
Rajshahi players celebrate a wicket, Cricfrenzy
Durbar Rajshahi kept their playoff hopes alive with a crucial 5-wicket win over Sylhet Strikers in their final group-stage match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Taskin Ahmed’s team now stands on the brink of securing a spot in the top four.
Rajshahi has completed their group-stage campaign with 6 wins from 12 matches. Chittagong Kings, with 5 wins from 9 games, still have a chance to surpass Rajshahi if they win two of their remaining three matches.
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Khulna Tigers, too, have the potential to match Rajshahi's win tally. Mehidy Hasan Miraz's side has two games left against Rangpur Riders and Dhaka Capitals. Winning both matches would bring them level with Rajshahi, leaving net run rate to determine which team progresses to the playoffs.
At the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Sylhet Strikers managed just 117 runs for 9 wickets after being put in to bat.
In a surprising move, Samiullah Shenwari opened the innings alongside captain Ariful Haque, but both failed to make an impact. Contributions from Zakir Hasan (24), Jaker Ali (17), and Ahsan Bhatti (25) gave Sylhet a modest total.
Chasing 118, Rajshahi found themselves in trouble at 22/4. However, Akbar Ali and Ryan Burl rescued the innings with a 75-run partnership.
Akbar scored 43 off 38 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. Burl remained unbeaten on 48 off 34 deliveries, smashing five boundaries and two sixes to guide Rajshahi home with 19 balls to spare.
