Najibullah Zadran produced a crucial and composed innings of 61 not out to steer Dhaka Dominators to a thrilling six-wicket victory over Khulna Tigers in the Bangladesh Premier League, finishing the chase of 164 with an over to spare. In a game where momentum swung and pressure mounted, Zadran’s calm presence and smart batting underpinned a successful run chase and kept Dominators firmly on course in the tournament.
Chasing 164 on a pitch that offered value for strokeplay but also presented occasional challenges, Zadran’s innings was the cornerstone of the chase. He walked in when the pressure was real — Dhaka needed stability and assurance after losing an early wicket. Rather than attempting a blitz from the outset, Zadran focused on puzzle-solving: read the bowlers, rotate the strike, and build a platform that would allow the chase to finish confidently.
From the very first ball he faced, Zadran’s intent was clear. He judged length and pace effectively, showing early patience by leaving balls outside off stump and capitalizing when deliveries drifted onto his pads. His footwork was fluid and decisive — a key reason he was able to handle both pace and spin with authority. While other batters looked to hit boundaries to keep the required rate climbing, Zadran targeted gaps, running sharp singles and doubles to keep pressure off the chase.
It was in the middle overs where Zadran’s influence truly stood out. With the required run rate ticking away but no immediate boundary options, he kept the innings calibrated by mixing caution with calculated aggression. When the bowlers erred in line or length, he punished them crisply, choosing classic placements over risky lofted shots. Through controlled strikes past fielders, his approach balanced urgency with care — an invaluable strategy in a chase where every wicket could shift the balance back to Khulna Tigers.
What made Zadran’s innings especially effective was his ability to build and adapt partnerships. He communicated seamlessly with partners at the non-striker’s end, ensuring momentum was shared rather than shouldered alone. This collaborative approach meant the batting rhythm stayed steady, and Dhaka never felt like it was clutching at straws.
As the chase entered the final overs, Zadran shifted gears judiciously. The boundaries he struck felt timely rather than desperate, each one lifting his side closer to the target without inviting undue risk. His ability to accelerate without falling prey to pressure was a testament to experience and mental clarity.
By the time the winning runs were struck with an over to spare, Zadran’s unbeaten 61 had become the defining contribution of the match. Far from merely finishing the chase, he dictated its pace and tone — ensuring Dhaka Dominators kept control from a tense mid-innings phase to the final boundary.
Earning Player of the Match acclaim would have felt like a natural outcome for Zadran’s role in this win. His blend of calm under pressure, thoughtful shot selection, and tactical adaptability made the difference between a close finish and a faltering chase.
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