Cricket Highlights, Jan 19: Bangladesh Premier League 2024/25 (26th Match) – Khulna Tigers vs Durbar Rajshahi

KT vs RAJ (26th Match) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling encounter between KT and RAJ in the 26th match of the Bangladesh Premier League, played under the lights at Chattogram on January 19, 2025. This high-scoring clash showcased incredible batting displays from both teams, resulting in an electrifying contest that went down to the wire. The Khulna Tigers, setting a formidable target of 210, held their nerve to secure a narrow 7-run victory, despite a spirited chase by Durbar Rajshahi. 

The Khulna Tigers, batting first, delivered an outstanding performance to post a mammoth total of 209/4 in their 20 overs. The innings started with an aggressive approach by Mohammad Naim, who struck 27 runs off just 14 balls, including two boundaries and two sixes, before being bowled by Jishan Alam in the fourth over. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the captain, followed with an equally brisk 26 off 13 balls but fell to Taskin Ahmed, leaving the Tigers at 54/2 in the fifth over.

Afif Hossain steadied the innings with a vital knock of 56 runs off 42 deliveries, hitting three boundaries and three sixes to anchor the middle overs. However, the turning point came when William Bosisto took charge in the latter half of the innings. His unbeaten 55 off 37 balls included four boundaries and a six, providing the much-needed acceleration. 

Complementing him was Mahidul Islam Ankon, who played a scintillating cameo, smashing 30 runs off just 12 balls with four towering sixes. Their partnership in the death overs propelled Khulna Tigers to an imposing total. Taskin Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers for Durbar Rajshahi, claiming two wickets for 36 runs, while Jishan Alam chipped in with one wicket for 33 runs.

Chasing 210 for victory, RAJ started their innings with a mix of aggression and caution. Opener Jishan Alam provided a flying start, scoring 30 off just 15 balls with three boundaries and two sixes, before being dismissed by Hasan Mahmud. His dismissal was followed by another setback when Mohammad Haris fell for 15, leaving Rajshahi at 62/2 in the seventh over. 

However, Captain Anamul Haque played one of the most remarkable innings of the tournament. His unbeaten 100 off 57 balls was laced with nine boundaries and five sixes, keeping Rajshahi in the hunt. Yasir Ali chipped in with 20 off 17 balls but couldn’t convert his start. Ryan Burl added crucial quick runs in the death overs, smashing 25 off 16 deliveries, but his dismissal in the penultimate over left Rajshahi with too much to do. 

Despite Anamul’s heroics, the target proved just out of reach, as they finished at 202/4, falling short by seven runs. Hasan Mahmud was the standout bowler for KT, taking two crucial wickets for just 25 runs in his four overs, while Salman Irshad and Abu Hider chipped in with a wicket each.

Khulna Tigers vs Durbar Rajshahi Scoreboard

Khulna Tigers– 209/4

Durbar Rajshahi– 202/4(20/20)

Result – Khulna won by 7 runs

Player of the Match – Hasan Mahmud

KT vs RAJ Playing XI

Khulna Tigers

Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz(C), Afif Hossain, Alex Ross, William Bosisto, Mahidul Islam Ankon(WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Abu Hider, Hasan Mahmud, Salman Irshad, Rubel Hossain

Durbar Rajshahi

Mohammad Haris, Jishan Alam, Anamul Haque(C), Yasir Ali, Ryan Burl, Akbar Ali(WK), Taskin Ahmed, Sunzamul Islam, Aftab Alam, Mark Deyal, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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