Rangpur Riders won a tight match against Khulna Tigers today at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium to continue their perfect run in this tournament, winning seven out of seven matches. With Khulna needing 22 runs in the last three overs, the Rangpur bowlers in Mahedi Hasan, Akif Javed and Mohammad Saifuddin held their nerves in an eight-run win.

After Mohammad Naim struck 58 off 41 deliveries and skipper Mehedi Miraz struck a 24-ball 39, Khulna looked good to chase down Rangpur's 186 for 5.  It was Mahedi and Saifuddin, who removed the two batters respectively to bring Rangpur back.

Yet, Afif Hossain and Mahidul Islam Ankon looked good to score the required runs in the last three overs. After Mahedi got Afif for a 15-ball 29, out leg-before, the game completely turned around.

Akif bagged two wickets in the 19th over, conceding just 6. The last over saw Mohammad Saifuddin defend 12 runs and two run outs of Mohammad Nawaz and Nasum Ahmed practically sealed the game and Saifuddin removed Abu Haider to finish with two for 28 as Khulna were restricted to 178 for 9.

Mahedi bagged two for 27 in four overs while Akif was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with three for 29.

Earlier, Rangpur posted 186 for five after winning the toss, thanks to Khushdil Shah's 35-ball 73.