Rangpur seal comfortable win over Chattogram

Rangpur Riders kicked off their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) campaign with a commanding victory, defeating Chattogram Royals by seven wickets with five overs to spare in Sylhet on Monday, December 29.

Rangpur’s bowlers set up the win by dismantling Chattogram’s batting lineup, restricting them to just 102 runs in 17.5 overs. In reply, Rangpur comfortably chased down the target, reaching it on the back of a 91-run opening partnership between David Malan and Litton Das off just 73 balls.

Litton fell just short of a half-century, scoring 47 runs off 31 deliveries with four fours and two sixes. Towhid Hridoy was dismissed for one run soon after, with both wickets claimed by Chattogram pacer Mukidul Islam Mugdha.

Malan anchored the chase, reaching his half-century off 45 balls. He was dismissed when Rangpur needed only two more runs to win, caught off Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s delivery. The England batter scored 51 runs from 48 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes.

Khushdil Shah sealed the victory with a six, while Mahmudullah remained unbeaten on one run.

Earlier, Chattogram Royals collapsed against disciplined bowling from Rangpur. Faheem Ashraf starred with the ball, picking up five wickets as Chattogram were bowled out for 102. Rangpur captain Nurul Hasan Sohan won the toss and opted to field.

Chattogram lost their first wicket for just three runs, with overseas batter Adam Roshington dismissed for one by Nahid Rana. Although Naim Sheikh showed resistance with 39 off 20 balls, he was bowled by Mustafizur Rahman. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed by Aliss, leaving Chattogram three wickets down for 46 runs.

The batting collapse continued as Mahifzul Alam (1), Masud Gurbaz (9), and Sheikh Mahedi Hasan (1) were all dismissed by Faheem Ashraf. Chattogram struggled at 71 for six and failed to build any momentum.

Mirza Baig, who had scored 80 in the previous match against Noakhali, made 20 before being dismissed by Mustafizur. Tanvir Islam was caught and bowled by Sufian Muqeem for six as Chattogram slipped to 88 for eight.

Faheem Ashraf completed his five-wicket haul by taking the final two wickets. Abu Haider Rony scored 13 and Shariful Islam added six as Chattogram’s innings ended at 102.

Besides Faheem’s five wickets, Mustafizur Rahman took two, while Nahid Rana, Aliss Al Islam, and Sufian Muqeem claimed one wicket each.

MMR/MHK