Rangpur emerge a seat of last-4 beating Khulna

Rangpur Riders have just defeated Khulna Titans by 19 runs in a match of fluctuating fortunes; the luck at last favored Mashrafe Bin Mortaza led Riders to get the tickets of the last phase of the tournament.

The Riders’ bowlers made a total team effort to restrict Khulna Titans under the below par score of 128 runs chasing the target of 147 runs made by Rangpur Riders after batted first.

Six bowlers bowled of Rangpur Riders off whom everyone except skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza picked a wicket each with Ravi Bopara claiming two. But Mashrafe’s brilliance in on field decision making has guided the Riders to another nervy victory in BPL 2017.

All Khulna Titans did were by their opening pair. Michael Klinger and Nazmul Hossain Shanto partnered for 60 runs. Klinger took the highest 44 runs (45 balls) while Nazmul Hossain Shanto made the second highest 20.

In the eighth over of the Khulna Titans’ innings, Nazmul Islam brought the first breakthrough for Mashrafe Mortaza. No significant partnership was constructed after that as the Titans continued to lose wickets.

Five of the batsmen in the middle order were departed before gathering double digit marks.

Jofra Chioke Archer who has been in fine run this tournament, tried valiantly to save the team but a small misjudgment cost his wicket in the eighteenth over and Khulna Titans lost their way to victory.

In the first segment of the game, wicket keeper batsman Mohammad Mithun smashed a dazzling half century off 35 deliveries striking 4 sixes, took along Rangpur Riders to build a total near about 150.

Chris Gayle started well in his usual style, scored 38 off 27 runs hitting 4 fours and 2 sixes, he was eventually stopped by Mohammad Irfan.

Brief Score:
Rangpur Riders 147/6 (20 overs)

Mohammad Mithun 50, Chris Gayle 38, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza 15*
Jofra Chioke Archer 2/28, Carlos Brathwaite 1/10, Abu Jayed 1/14

Khulna Titans 128/8 (20 overs)

Michael Klinger 44, Nazmul Hossain Shanto 20, Jofra Chioke Archer 19
Ravi Bopara 2/4, Nahidul Islam 1/16, Nazmul Islam 1/19

Result: Rangpur Riders won by 19 runs.
Toss: Khulna Titans.

Source: bdcrictime