RAR vs KT (20th Match) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 20th match of the Bangladesh Premier League 2025 between RAR and KT, held under the lights at Sylhet. The contest was a nail-biter, showcasing high-octane cricket and keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Rangpur Riders displayed an impressive batting performance to post a formidable total of 186/5 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Khulna Tigers fought valiantly but fell short by a narrow margin, ending their chase at 178/9. The Riders secured an 8-run victory, solidifying their position in the tournament and delivering an exciting spectacle for the audience.
Batting first, Rangpur Riders set the tone with an aggressive start. Tawfique Khan (36 off 30) anchored the innings with precision, finding boundaries early on despite losing his opening partner Steven Taylor (13 off 8) to Abu Hider’s sharp delivery. Saif Hassan contributed modestly with 7 runs but failed to accelerate against a disciplined Tigers’ bowling attack.
However, it was the partnership between Iftikhar Ahmed (43 off 36) and Khushdil Shah (73* off 35) that turned the tide. Iftikhar held the innings together, rotating strike effectively and finding occasional boundaries, while Khushdil played a scintillating knock, blasting 6 sixes and 4 fours. His unbeaten effort propelled Rangpur to a competitive total of 186/5, with valuable contributions from the middle order and extras. Abu Hider and Hasan Mahmud were the pick of the bowlers for Khulna, each claiming two wickets.
Chasing 187, KT started on a shaky note, losing Darwish Rasooli (17 off 15) early to Akif Javed’s sharp bowling. However, Mohammad Naim (58 off 41) and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz (39 off 24) steadied the ship with a brisk 61-run partnership. Naim played a composed knock, combining calculated aggression with delightful stroke play, while Miraz added firepower with two towering sixes. Their dismissals in quick succession, however, derailed Khulna’s momentum.
Afif Hossain (29 off 15) reignited hopes with an explosive cameo, smashing boundaries at will, but his departure in the 18th over left Khulna needing an improbable 22 runs from the final two overs. Mahidul Islam Ankon chipped in with 15, but Akif Javed’s disciplined death bowling (3/29) ensured the Tigers couldn’t cross the finish line. The lower order crumbled under pressure, with Mohammad Saifuddin (2/28) and Mahedi Hasan (2/27) delivering crucial breakthroughs to restrict the opposition to 178/9.
Khushdil Shah’s batting heroics and Akif Javed’s brilliant bowling were pivotal in Rangpur’s triumph. The match was a testament to the excitement and unpredictability of T20 cricket, keeping fans entertained until the final ball. This win further strengthened RAR position in the tournament standings.
Rangpur Riders vs Khulna Tigers Scoreboard
Rangpur Riders – 186/5
Khulna Tigers – 178/9(20/20)
Result – Rangpur won by 8 runs
Player of the Match – Akif Javed
RAR vs KT Playing XI
Rangpur Riders
Tawfique Khan, Steven Taylor, Saif Hassan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Nurul Hasan(C)(WK), Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Nahid Rana, Akif Javed
Khulna Tigers
Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz(C), Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Ankon(WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Imrul Kayes, Abu Hider, Nasum Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Salman Irshad
Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.