Rangpur Riders maintained their unbeaten run in the Bangladesh Premier League 2025, edging past Khulna Tigers by 8 runs in a thrilling encounter on Monday.
The victory marked Rangpur's seventh consecutive win in the group stage, cementing their position as strong title contenders.
Opting to bat first, Rangpur posted a formidable 186 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. While opener Taufiq Khan contributed a steady 36 off 30 balls, the early departures of Steven Taylor (13) and Saif Hassan (7) put pressure on the batting lineup. However, a scintillating 115-run partnership between Pakistani all-rounders Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah turned the tide.
Iftikhar anchored the innings with a measured 43 off 36 balls, while Khushdil dazzled with an explosive 73 off just 35 deliveries, including six towering sixes and four boundaries. Their efforts ensured a challenging total for Khulna to chase.
In response, Khulna Tigers put up a spirited fight but fell short at 178 for 9. Opener Naim Sheikh led the charge with a commendable 58 off 41 balls, supported by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who scored a brisk 39 off 24 deliveries. Afif Hossain also chipped in with a quickfire 29 off 15 balls.
Despite their strong start, Khulna’s innings faltered after Afif's dismissal. The middle and lower order struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Mahidul Ankon and Mohammad Nawaz were unable to steer the team to victory in the closing overs, leaving them 18 runs short in the final two overs.
Rangpur’s bowling attack, led by disciplined performances, held their nerve to secure a narrow win. With this victory, the Riders continue their dominance in the tournament, showcasing both resilience and depth in their squad as they prepare for the next phase of the competition.
