
RAR vs KT (Eliminator) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the Eliminator match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025, where KT delivered a commanding performance to secure a nine-wicket victory over RAR at Mirpur on February 3, 2025. Rangpur Riders struggled with the bat, managing only 85 runs, which Khulna chased down effortlessly in just 10.2 overs, with 58 balls to spare. This dominant win ensured Khulna’s progression in the tournament while knocking Rangpur out of the competition.
RAR had an abysmal outing with the bat, getting bowled out for just 85 runs in 16.5 overs. Their innings never got going, as wickets tumbled right from the start. The collapse began immediately, with Soumya Sarkar getting run out without facing a ball on the second delivery of the innings. James Vince, a key batter for Rangpur, failed to steady the ship and was dismissed for just 1 run off 7 balls, caught and bowled by Nasum Ahmed.
The middle order offered little resistance as well. Saif Hassan (4 off 10) and Mahedi Hasan (1 off 5) departed cheaply, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nasum Ahmed dismantling the top order. The wickets continued to tumble, with Mohammad Saifuddin (8 off 8) falling lbw to Hasan Mahmud, leaving Rangpur reeling at 15/5 in just 5.2 overs.
Rangpur’s skipper Nurul Hasan was the only batter who showed some intent, scoring 23 runs off 25 balls, including two boundaries. However, he received little support from the lower order, with Tim David (7 off 9), Andre Russell (4 off 9), and Rakibul Hasan (1 off 2) all failing to build partnerships. The standout performance for Rangpur came from Akif Javed, who added a late flourish with a quickfire 32 off 18 balls, smashing four boundaries and two sixes. His efforts helped the team cross the 80-run mark, but it was far from a competitive total.
For KT, the bowlers were outstanding. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3/10 in 4 overs) and Nasum Ahmed (3/16 in 4 overs) wrecked the top order with their spin, while Mohammad Nawaz (1/21) and Hasan Mahmud (1/18) kept the pressure on. Musfik Hasan (1/8 in 0.5 overs) cleaned up the tail, wrapping up the innings in just 16.5 overs.
Chasing a target of just 86 runs, Khulna Tigers suffered an early setback when captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was dismissed for a duck in the first over by Akif Javed. However, that was the only moment of joy for Rangpur, as Mohammad Naim and Alex Ross ensured a smooth chase.
Naim played an aggressive innings, smashing 48 runs off 33 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 145.45. He dominated the bowlers, especially in the powerplay, taking full advantage of the small target. At the other end, Alex Ross played a steady knock, contributing 29 runs off 27 balls with four boundaries. The duo shared an unbeaten 87-run partnership, guiding Khulna to victory in just 10.2 overs.
Rangpur’s bowlers failed to make any real impact, with only Akif Javed (1/20 in 3 overs) getting a wicket. The likes of Nahid Rana (0/21 in 4 overs) and Andre Russell (0/14 in 1 over) couldn’t create pressure, as Khulna comfortably reached 89/1 to seal the win with 58 balls to spare.
Rangpur Riders vs Khulna Tigers Scoreboard
Rangpur Riders – 85
Khulna Tigers– 89/1(10.2/20)
Result – Khulna won by 9 wickets (with 58 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Nasum Ahmed

RAR vs KT Playing XI
Rangpur Riders
James Vince, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nurul Hasan(C)(WK), Tim David, Andre Russell, Rakibul Hasan, Akif Javed, Nahid Rana.
Khulna Tigers
Mehidy Hasan Miraz(C), Mohammad Naim, Alex Ross, Afif Hossain, Shimron Hetmyer, Mohammad Nawaz, Mahidul Islam Ankon(WK), Jason Holder, Nasum Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Musfik Hasan.
Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.