Khulna Tigers narrowly defeated Durbar Rajshahi by 7 runs in thrilling encounter at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, despite an outstanding century from Rajshahi`s captain, Anamul Haque Bijoy.
Chasing a challenging target of 210, Rajshahi needed 25 runs off the last 12 balls. Khulna`s Pakistani pacer tightened the screws in the 19th over, conceding just 8 runs, putting Rajshahi on the back foot. With 17 runs required off the final over, Bijoy and Akbar Ali could manage only 9 runs against Hasan Mahmud, falling short and handing Khulna a hard-fought victory.
This victory marked Khulna`s first in five matches under the leadership of Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Earlier, Khulna posted a mammoth total of 209, largely due to solid contributions from Afif Hossain and Will Bosisto. The pair put on a 113-run partnership for the fourth wicket, with Afif scoring 56 off 42 balls and Bosisto remaining unbeaten on 55 off 37 balls. Mahidul Islam Ankon added a late surge with a blistering 30 from just 12 balls.
Khulna`s openers, Mohammad Naim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, gave the innings a flying start with a 42-run partnership in just 23 balls, before they were dismissed.
For Rajshahi, Bijoy`s magnificent century (102 off 53 balls) was the standout performance, but his efforts went in vain as the team faltered in the chase. Despite his brilliance, the lack of significant contributions from the other batters left Rajshahi short of the target.