A half-century from West Indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer was not enough to prevent the Khulna Tigers from missing out on a place in the 2025 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) final after a two-wicket loss to the Chittagong Kings in the second qualifier at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.

The Guyanese left-hander led the way for the Tigers with a 33-ball 63 including six fours and four sixes as they made 163-6 from their 20 overs after being put in to bat by the Kings.

Wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam Ankon was the next highest scorer for the Tigers with 41 off 32 balls including three sixes and one four while Jason Holder hit a four and a six in his 12* off five balls.

Sri Lankan Binura Fernando took 2-27 from his four overs.

The Kings then used all 20 overs to reach 164-8 and book their spot in Friday’s final against Fortune Barisal.

Opener Khawaja Nafay led the way with 57 off 46 balls including four fours and three sixes while Hussain Talat made a 25-ball 40 including five fours and a six.

The Kings eventually needed four off the last ball which man of the match Al Islam hit for a boundary to finish 17* off seven balls.

Musfik Hasan took 3-32 from three overs while Hasan Mahmud took 3-34 from four overs for the Tigers.