Khulna Tigers, once uncertain about their BPL 2025 playoff chances, have now not only secured a spot in the qualifiers but are also emerging as strong contenders for the championship title. With a dominant 9-wicket victory over Rangpur Riders, Khulna proved that local talent can outshine star-studded international squads.

Winning the toss, Rangpur Riders opted to bat first—a decision that backfired spectacularly. Khulna's bowlers ran riot, dismantling Rangpur’s batting lineup for just 85 runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nasum Ahmed were the chief destroyers, taking three wickets each and putting Rangpur under relentless pressure.

Chasing a modest total, Naim Sheikh and Alex Ross guided Khulna to a comfortable victory, securing their place in the second qualifier.

At the post-match press conference, Nasum Ahmed explained his bowling plan, particularly his extended spell at the start of the innings, "The reason I bowled continuously was because they had more right-handed batters, and my deliveries were more effective against them. That’s why Miraz kept me on. In the previous game, there was a left-right combination, so we had to rotate bowlers differently. But today, the conditions favored me, so I bowled in longer spells."

Nasum also expressed confidence in his team’s balance, particularly the strength of local players. "Our local players are doing really well, Alhamdulillah. The batters have been fantastic, and even the bench players are highly capable. It's just that we can’t play everyone due to team combinations. But our team bonding is amazing. Whether we play or not, we stand united."

Khulna have been in knockout mode for the last two matches, and Nasum believes they have the momentum to push for the final.

"Every team wants to reach the semis and the final. Our first goal was to make the top four, and now we’ve won our first knockout match. Insha’Allah, we will try to win the next one too. We’ve been playing with this belief for the past three months."

For the playoffs, Khulna Tigers brought in Shimron Hetmyar and Jason Holder. When asked whether adding new foreign players this late in the tournament was ideal, Nasum responded, "The team will bring in whoever fits the combination. Whether it’s ideal or not, I can’t say. Hetmyer hasn’t batted yet, so let’s see what happens when he does (laughs). But ultimately, foreign players are here to support us, and it’s the local players who must perform."

Khulna will now face either Chittagong Kings or Barishal in the second qualifier. When asked which opponent he would prefer, Nasum simply said, "Whoever comes, it doesn’t matter. In T20 cricket, all teams are equal."

With the BPL 2025 playoffs in full swing, Nasum also acknowledged the upcoming Champions Trophy, saying, "Champions Trophy is Champions Trophy. I’ll plan for that separately. Right now, I’m focused on finishing the BPL strongly."

With this dominant win, Khulna Tigers advance to the second qualifier, keeping their title hopes alive. Meanwhile, Rangpur Riders are officially eliminated from BPL 2025, ending their campaign in disappointment.