BPL 2019-20: Final, Review- Rajshahi Royals decimate Khulna Tigers to bring trophy home

Khulna Tigers were on a four-match winning streak coming into the final of the BPL 2019-20. On the other hand, Rajshahi Royals had to go through a tough contest in the Qualifier 2 against Chattogram Challengers. However, on Finals day, Andre Russell and Co put forth their A-game and hammered the Tigers by 21 runs. Moreover, they won the championship for the maiden time in history of the BPL.

Late blitz propels the Royals

The Royals got off to a poor start as Mohammad Amir removed Afif Hossain cheaply. Liton Das also had a laboured stay in the middle, scoring 25 off 28 before Shahidul Islam got rid of him. Shoaib Malik flattered to deceive as well. At the other end, Irfan Sukkur stepped up and kept churning out the big shots. The left-hander managed 52 runs off 35 deliveries and became Amir’s second victim.

Rajshahi was in need of some big blows in the death overs. That’s when Andre Russell (27*) and Mohammad Nawaz (41*) came to the party. The duo put on an unbeaten 71-run stand and took the Royals to a formidable 170 for four. In the last three overs. The last three overs fetched 54 runs. For the Tigers, Shahidul was the most impressive as he gave away a mere 23 runs in his four overs.

Royals canter home

The Tigers got off to a terrible start after Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz perished in the single digits. But Shamsur Rahman (52) and Rilee Rossouw (37) got the innings back on track, adding 74 for the third wicket. Nawaz broke the stand after Rossouw hit one down the throat of Dre-Russ. Shamsur got to a fifty off 38 balls and then fell prey to Kamrul Islam Rabbi, much to his agony.

Najibullah Zadran survived a scare, but gave his wicket away to Rabbi. Russell delivered the body blow, ripping Mushfiqur Rahim’s poles apart. With 31 runs needed off 12 balls, the pressure mounted on the Tigers. Robbie Frylinck skied one off Mohammad Irfan and it turned out to be the final nail in the coffin. In the last over, Khulna needed 30 runs and the Royals got home comfortably.

Brief Scores

Rajshahi Royals: 170/4 in 20 overs (Irfan Sukkur 52, Mohammad Nawaz 41; Mohammad Amir 2/35)

Khulna Tigers: 149/8 in 20 overs (Shamsur Rahman 52, Rilee Rossouw 37; Mohammad Irfan 2/18)

Rajshahi Royals win by 21 runs.