Dhaka: Rajshahi Kings notched a nine-run victory over table topper Khulna Titans in the 4th Bangladesh Premier League T20 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 155, Khulna played out stipulated 20 overs to collect 145 for 6 wickets. 

Opener Riki Wessels top-scored 36 off 32 balls, including four boundaries, while skipper Mahmudullah Riyad added run-a-ball 33 with three boundaries and one six. 

Nicholas Pooran hammered three over the boundary and one boundary off 12 balls for 28 runs while Ariful Haque (unbeaten 25 off 21b; 2x4) and Kevon Cooper (14 off 12; 1x4) were the other double figure scorers for the side.

Darren Sammy, Nazmul Islam, Abul Hasan, Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Mohammad Sami took one wicket each for 8, 17, 25, 27 and 32 runs respectively. 

Batting first after winning the toss, Rajshahi Kings skipper Darren Sammy’s unbeaten knock of 71 helped his side collect 154 for 8 in 20 overs. 

Sammy was the only notable scorer with his unbeaten innings of quick firing 71 off 34 balls that witnessed four boundaries and five over boundaries. 

Junaid Siddique scored 21 runs while Sabbir Rahman and Samit Patel added 16 runs each. Opener Mominul Haque stayed for 12 runs. 

Delivering four overs each, Kevon Cooper and Shafiul Islam captured two wickets apiece for 31 and 53 runs. Skipper Mahmudullah Riyad and Mosharraf Hossain took one wicket each for 7 and 25 runs.

Despite the day’s loss, Khulna maintained the top slot in the points table with their previous collection of 12. Khulna played nine matches to secure six win and three loses. 

In the other camp, Rajshahi Kings collected eight points from eight outings, having four wins and four loses.