Rajshahi outclass Khulna to reignite their campaign
This win marked Rajshahi’s second of the tournament, ending a three-match losing streak, while Khulna suffered their first defeat in the competition.
After a challenging start to their campaign, Durbar Rajshahi claimed a crucial 28-run victory over Khulna Tigers on 10 January at the Sylhet International Stadium in the ongoing BPL 2025.
This win marked Rajshahi's second of the tournament, ending a three-match losing streak, while Khulna suffered their first defeat in the competition.
Opting to bat first, Rajshahi overcame an inconsistent start to post a competitive total of 178 for 5 in their 20 overs. Mohammad Haris (27 off 20 balls) and Zishan Alam (23 off 22 balls) gave their side a steady foundation, but Khulna's bowlers struck back. Nasum Ahmed, who delivered an impressive spell, dismissed both Haris and Enamul Haque Bijoy (7) to derail Rajshahi's momentum.
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At 67 for 4, Yasir Ali and Ryan Burl anchored the innings with a pivotal 88-run partnership. Yasir narrowly missed his half-century, scoring a valuable 41 off 25 balls. Burl remained unbeaten on 48 from 29 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries and one six to propel Rajshahi past the 150-run mark. Late fireworks from Akbar Ali (21 off 9 balls) ensured Rajshahi finished strongly.
Chasing 179, Khulna Tigers faltered early, losing opener William Bosisto in the first over. Their captain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, followed soon after, managing just 1 run off 7 balls. Naim Sheikh, who looked to stabilise the innings, fell for 24 off 28 balls.
Afif Hossain attempted to keep Khulna in the game, scoring 33 off 30 deliveries, but his dismissal triggered a collapse. Middle-order batters Mahidul Islam Ankon (18 off 11 balls) and Imrul Kayes (17 off 6 balls) provided brief resistance but couldn't sustain the momentum.
Rajshahi's bowlers were clinical, with Taskin Ahmed, Sohag Gazi, and Ryan Burl picking up two wickets each. Zishan Alam, SM Meherab, and Mukidul Islam chipped in with a wicket apiece. The Tigers were eventually bowled out for 150 with three balls to spare, falling short by 28 runs.
With this win, Rajshahi moved to fifth in the points table with 4 points from 5 matches. Khulna, who also have 4 points but a superior net run rate, dropped to fourth after tasting defeat for the first time this season.
