Naim’s Century Guides Khulna to Victory, Rangpur Slump to Fourth Consecutive Loss
In a do-or-die clash, Mohammad Naim Sheikh’s century powered Khulna Tigers to a crucial win, handing Rangpur Riders their fourth straight defeat despite an unbeaten eight-match streak at the start of the tournament.
Khulna captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz had stated the previous day that every match was now a knockout for them, and this one was no different. A loss here would have ended their playoff hopes with one game left. But Naim stepped up when it mattered most, delivering a brilliant century to propel his team to a massive total. Despite Soumya Sarkar’s valiant effort, Rangpur Riders couldn’t chase it down.
Khulna secured a 46-run victory, keeping their playoff hopes alive with 10 points from 11 matches. This result also extended the uncertainty for the red-hot Rajshahi side. Meanwhile, Rangpur, after confirming a top-four finish with eight consecutive wins, now find themselves struggling, with their position in the top two under threat.
Naim’s Heroics in Mirpur
Batting first at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Khulna put up a formidable 220/4, thanks to Naim’s outstanding innings. This total is the second-highest ever at the venue, behind Fortune Barishal’s 221-run chase against Minister Rajshahi in the 2020 Bangabandhu T20 Cup.
Rangpur, however, failed to match up, despite Soumya’s lone battle. They could only manage 174/9, with Soumya’s 74 runs being the only significant contribution.
Naim’s Record-Breaking Knock
Opening the innings, Naim Sheikh carried his bat, smashing 111 off just 62 balls*, including 7 fours and 8 sixes. This marked his second T20 century, his first coming in the 2020 Bangabandhu T20 Cup for Beximco Dhaka.
Later, young pacer Mushfik Hasan, returning to professional cricket after nine months, made an instant impact, picking up 3 wickets for just 24 runs.
Miraz’s Fiery Start & Early Exit
Khulna started aggressively, with captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz smashing two sixes off Saifuddin in the first over. Naim joined the party in the next over, hitting Sheikh Mehdi for a six and a four. Khulna raced to 27 runs in two overs, but Miraz couldn’t capitalize on his fast start, falling for 21 off 12 balls while attempting a paddle sweep.
Mid-Innings Drama: Miscommunication & Recovery
After Miraz’s dismissal, Naim and Alex Ross slowed down. Ross was eventually run out after a misunderstanding, departing for 12 off 14 balls.
Naim, however, found an able partner in Australian batsman William Bosisto. The duo took their time before launching a brutal assault on Rangpur’s bowlers. By the 10th over, Khulna was at 74/2, with Naim yet to reach 30 and Bosisto on just 10.
The next 10 overs, however, belonged entirely to Khulna. They hammered 146 runs, with Naim leading the charge.
Explosive Finish: Naim’s Century & Mahidul’s Late Flourish
Naim accelerated in the 12th over, smashing three sixes off Iftikhar Ahmed, reaching his 16th T20 fifty in 33 balls. He continued his assault, launching a scoop six off Nahid Rana before Bosisto also joined in with big hits.
Bosisto eventually fell after a 36-run knock off 21 balls, but the damage was done.
Coming in with 31 balls left, Mahidul Islam made an immediate impact, smashing 29 off just 15 balls. He and Naim ensured Khulna crossed 200, with Naim completing his century in 55 balls.
The innings ended at 220/4, with Naim finishing unbeaten on 111.
Rangpur’s Struggle in the Chase
Chasing a daunting total, Rangpur’s start was shaky. Tawhid Khan fell LBW to Nasum Ahmed in the second over, and soon after, Saif Hasan was run out, leaving them at 45/2 after the powerplay.
Iftikhar Ahmed tried to up the scoring rate but was dismissed for 19 off 15 balls, caught brilliantly by Naim off Mushfik Hasan.
Mehedi Hasan’s late blitz (27 off 14) provided some hope, but he perished quickly, followed by captain Nurul Hasan, leaving Soumya alone in the middle.
Soumya’s Fighting Fifty, but No Support
Despite wickets tumbling at the other end, Soumya stood tall, reaching his fifty in the 14th over. He got a lifeline when Miraz dropped a catch, but Rangpur were already in deep trouble.
Mushfik Hasan then delivered the knockout punch in the 17th over, dismissing Saifuddin and Azizul Hakim in consecutive balls. With no recognized batters left, Rangpur’s resistance ended in the final over when Soumya was bowled by Hasan Mahmud for 74 off 48 balls.
Mushfik’s Dream Comeback & Poor Bowling from Rangpur
Mushfik Hasan’s return to cricket after nine months was nothing short of spectacular. He finished with 3/24 in 4 overs, dismantling Rangpur’s middle order. Hasan Mahmud also bowled well, while Miraz, despite going wicketless, led his team admirably.
On the other hand, Rangpur’s bowlers had a forgettable day, especially Saifuddin (3 overs, 55 runs) and Sheikh Mehdi (4 overs, 46 runs). Nahid Rana also remained wicketless, conceding 38 runs in 4 overs.
Match Summary
Khulna Tigers: 220/4 in 20 overs
- Naim Sheikh 111* (62), Bosisto 36 (21), Miraz 21 (12), Mahidul 29 (15)
- Bowling: Saifuddin 3-0-55-0, Mehdi 4-0-46-1, Iftikhar 4-0-39-1
Rangpur Riders: 174/9 in 20 overs
- Soumya Sarkar 74 (48), Mehedi 27 (14), Iftikhar 19 (15)
- Bowling: Mushfik 4-0-24-3, Hasan Mahmud 4-0-20-1, Nasum 2-0-18-1
Result: Khulna Tigers won by 46 runs
Player of the Match: Mohammad Naim Sheikh
This victory keeps Khulna Tigers in the playoff race, while Rangpur, once unstoppable, are now in a free fall with four consecutive losses. Their spot in the top two is now at risk, setting up an exciting finish to the league stage.
