Ripon bags hattrick as Rajshahi cruise past Dhaka to secure playoffs

Rajshahi Warriors produced another comprehensive performance to beat Dhaka Capitals by seven wickets in the final league match of the Sylhet phase of Bangladesh Premier League 12 on Monday, securing a playoff berth alongside Chattogram Royals and Sylhet Titans.

The loss left Dhaka’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread. With only four points from eight matches, they must now win both of their remaining league games in Dhaka and also rely on other results going in their favour.

Rajshahi’s bowlers ran through Dhaka’s batting line-up, with pacers Abdul Gaffar Saqlain (4-24), Ripon Mondol (3-30) and Mohammad Rubel (2-22) doing most of the damage as Dhaka were bundled out for just 131 in 20 overs after opting to bat first.

Ripon capped off a memorable spell by claiming a hattrick in the final over, becoming the third bowler in the ongoing tournament to achieve the feat after Noakhali’s Mehedi Hasan Rana and Rangpur’s Mrittunjoy Chowdhury.

Chasing a modest target, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who had struggled throughout the tournament, finally found his rhythm with a blistering 76 off 43 balls, laced with seven fours and five sixes. Rajshahi cruised to 132 for three in 16.1 overs to seal another convincing victory and retain their top spot on the points table with 12 points from eight matches.

The result not only confirmed Rajshahi’s place in the playoffs but also ensured qualification for Chattogram and Sylhet, both sitting on 10 points. Rangpur Riders (eight points), Dhaka Capitals (four points) and Noakhali Express (four points) remain in contention for the final playoff spot.

Earlier, Dhaka made a steady start through openers Usman Khan (41 off 27) and Abdullah Al Mamun (12), who added 54 runs before a collapse saw them slump to 60 for three. Nasir Hossain’s 24 off 27 balls offered brief resistance, but a disciplined bowling effort from Rajshahi ensured Dhaka were bowled out on the final ball of the innings.

Ripon removed Sabbir Rahman (14), Ziaur Rahman Sharifi (0) and Taijul Islam (0) off successive deliveries to complete his hat-trick.

Rajshahi’s chase revolved around Tanzid’s commanding knock, while contributions from Muhammad Waseem (22), Mushfiqur Rahim (12 not out) and James Neesham (14 not out) comfortably guided the side home.

The BPL now shifts to Dhaka for its final phase, with league matches resuming on Thursday (January 15).