Khulna Tigers secured their spot in the second qualifier with a remarkable victory over Rangpur Riders, but their path to the final seemed uncertain after a modest batting display in the second qualifier. Despite a storming knock from Shimron Hetmyer, Khulna managed only 163 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
Winning the toss, Chattogram Kings opted to bowl first, and their bowlers immediately asserted their dominance. The opening partnership of Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Mohammad Naim Sheikh struggled right from the start, with just 1 run scored in the first over. Binura Fernando, after conceding a single run in his first over, made an impact by dismissing the Khulna captain, Miraz, who was bowled out for a duck, and the over was a maiden.
Next, Alis Al Islam joined the action, taking the crucial wicket of Alex Ross, who was sent packing for a duck after facing 6 balls. Ross was dismissed off a return catch from Alis. With two quick wickets falling, Khulna's run rate slowed down considerably. Mohammad Naim Sheikh tried to stabilize the innings with some slow batting, but his efforts fell short.
After the powerplay, Naim was dismissed for 19 runs off 22 balls, and Afif Hossain couldn’t make a substantial contribution either. His 14-ball innings only produced 8 runs, and Khulna was left struggling at 42 for 4, with the pressure mounting. However, there was a remarkable recovery thanks to the partnership between Shimon Hetmyer and Mahidul Islam Ankon.
Hetmyer, who hadn't had the chance to bat in the previous match, took control of the situation. He launched an assault on Binura Fernando, hitting him for a six and completing his half-century off just 29 balls. Hetmyer’s blitz included 3 sixes and 1 four, and Mahidul Islam Ankon supported him with a 32-ball 42 before he was dismissed.
After Hetmyer reached his half-century, he became even more dangerous. Jason Holder watched from the other end as Hetmyer dominated the attack. Fernando, who had conceded only 6 runs in his first 3 overs, was hammered for 21 runs in his final over, including a six by Hetmyer. However, Fernando had the last laugh by taking Hetmyer's catch off the final delivery of his spell.
Hetmyer, who had scored 63 runs off 33 balls, was dismissed with Khulna's score at 146 in 19 overs.
With Hetmyer's onslaught coming to an end, Khulna’s total stood at 163/5, leaving Chattogram Kings with a challenging target but still within reach.
Having ousted Rangpur Riders to reach the second qualifier, Khulna Tigers now face Chattogram Kings, who still have a chance to make the final after their loss in the first qualifier. The winner of this match will face Fortune Barishal in the final.
Khulna Tigers’ Innings Summary:
- Shimron Hetmyer – 63 runs off 33 balls (3 sixes, 1 four)
- Mahidul Islam Ankon – 42 runs off 32 balls (4 fours)
- Mohammad Naim Sheikh – 19 runs off 22 balls
- Afif Hossain – 8 runs off 14 balls
- Mehedi Hasan Miraz (c) – 0 runs off 1 ball
Chattogram Kings’ Bowling:
- Binura Fernando – 4 overs, 37 runs, 1 wicket
- Alis Al Islam – 4 overs, 26 runs, 1 wicket
- Hossain Talat – 4 overs, 22 runs, 0 wickets
- Shamim Hossain – 4 overs, 31 runs, 0 wickets
Khulna Tigers will now look to build on Hetmyer’s brilliance and secure a spot in the final, while Chattogram Kings will hope to overturn their loss and continue their journey.
