Naim’s stunning century powers Khulna to commanding total

Khulna Tigers kept their playoff hopes alive with a dominant batting display against Rangpur Riders, posting a formidable 220 for 4 in a must-win clash at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on 30 January.

Mohammad Naim stole the show with a brilliant unbeaten century, silencing his critics and guiding his team to a massive total.

After winning the toss, Khulna opted to bat first and got off to a flying start through openers Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Naim Sheikh. The pair put on 32 runs before Miraz fell for 21 off 12 balls. Alex Ross, batting at number three, failed to make an impact, departing for 12 off 14 deliveries.

Despite the early wickets, Naim kept the momentum going. He found solid support from William Bosisto, and together they pushed the innings forward. Naim reached his half-century off just 33 balls, setting the foundation for a big score. Bosisto contributed a quick 36 from 21 before getting out, but Naim remained the key figure in the innings.

Naim continued his aggressive approach, accelerating towards a well-deserved century. He was particularly brutal in the 18th over, punishing Mohammad Saifuddin's wayward bowling to reach his hundred off just 55 balls.

In the final overs, Mahidul Islam Ankon played a quick cameo, scoring 29 off 15 balls before being caught in the 20th over. However, Naim stayed unbeaten till the end, finishing with a magnificent 111 from 62 balls. His outstanding knock helped Khulna reach a daunting 220 for 4.

For Rangpur, Akif Javed, Mohammad Saifuddin, and Sheikh Mahedi claimed a wicket each.