BPL 2025: Khulna Tigers grab last playoff spot by defeating Dhaka Capital; knock out Durbar Rajshahi

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BPL 2025: Khulna Tigers secured the final playoff berth in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025 with a commanding six-wicket victory over Dhaka Capital at Mirpur. The win saw Khulna equal Durbar Rajshahi in points but advance on a superior net run rate.

They will now face Rangpur Riders in the Eliminator on February 3, while Fortune Barishal and Chittagong Kings will battle it out in Qualifier 1 for a direct spot in the final.

Opting to bat first, Dhaka Capital struggled to build momentum despite an aggressive 58 off 37 balls from opener Tanzid Hasan. His innings, laced with seven sixes, kept Dhaka afloat, but the rest of the lineup failed to provide substantial support. Litton Das (10), Habibur Rahman Sohan (3), and Farmanullah (7) departed early, leaving Dhaka in trouble at 81/3.

Once Tanzid fell in the 13th over, Dhaka's innings lost further steam, with skipper Thisara Perera (0) and Riaz Hassan (5) failing to make an impact. Sabbir Rahman's 20 was the only other notable contribution, as Khulna's disciplined bowling unit restricted them to 123/9 in 20 overs.

Hasan Mahmud was the standout bowler for Khulna, delivering a stunning spell of 2/5 in four overs. William Bosisto (2/10) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (1/30) also played crucial roles in keeping Dhaka under check.

Chasing 124 for victory, Khulna had a shaky start, losing both Mohammad Naim (0) and Afif Hossain (0) early to Mustafizur Rahman. However, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz led from the front with a match-winning 74* off 55 balls, anchoring the innings with composure and aggression. Alex Ross contributed a steady 22 off 19, while William Bosisto (18) helped stitch crucial partnerships. Miraz's masterful innings, featuring five fours and four sixes, ensured Khulna cruised to 128/4 in 16.5 overs, sealing the playoff spot with 19 balls to spare.

Miraz's all-round brilliance (74* & 1/30) earned him the Player of the Match award. Meanwhile, Mustafizur's valiant effort of 3/16 for Dhaka went in vain.

With this win, Khulna's playoff journey continues, while Rajshahi faces heartbreak. The high-stakes knockout stage now begins, with the Tigers set to battle Rangpur Riders in a do-or-die clash on February 3.