Mohammad Amir's magnificent spell of 6/17 helped Khulna Tigers dominate Rajashahi Royals towards a 27-run victory in the Qualifier 1 of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League season, enabling the team's entry into the tournament final in Dhaka on Friday (January 17) for which its opponent will be decided via the second qualifier. 

Earlier, the Tigers were put in to bat after losing the toss and they responded with a competitive total of 158/3 in 20 overs; Najmul Hossain Shanto (78*) scoring an unbeaten half-century and Shamsur Rahman (32), skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (21*) providing him able support. 

Mohammad Irfan (2/13) delivered a very fine spell for the Royals. 

WATCH- Mohammad Irfan gets hit on his head by Rajshahi teammate Andre Russell

It is then that Amir showed off his class with a performance that never allowed the Royals' batting line-up to get going; dislodging the likes of Liton Das, opposition captain Andre Russell, before taking Shoaib Malik (80), Royals' lone warrior and hope, out of the equation. 

Malik can be proud of his knock, for the next-highest individual score of the innings was only 12 from tailender Taijul Islam in an overall total of 131. 

Mehidy Hasan (2/6) also got a couple of breakthroughs and Robbie Frylinck (1/29), Shahidul Islam (1/15) delivered economical spells. 

But Amir clearly stole the show and bagged the "Player-of-the-Match" award when it mattered the most. 

Brief Scores: 

Khulna Tigers 158/3 in 20 overs (Najmul Shanto 78*; Mohammad Irfan 2/13) beat Rajshahi Royals 131/10 in 20 overs (Shoaib Malik 80; Mohammad Irfan 6/17) by 27 runs