Rangpur break rut to reach BPL playoffs
Dawid Malan and Tawhid Hridoy struck commanding half-centuries before Nahid Rana produced a sensational bowling spell as Rangpur Riders became the fourth and final team to secure a playoff berth in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20.
Rangpur sealed the final playoff spot with an 11-run victory over Dhaka Capitals in their penultimate league match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday, joining Rajshahi Warriors, Chattogram Royals and Sylhet Titans.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The win not only booked Rangpur’s place in the playoffs but also snapped a three-match losing streak. It came in Litton Das’s first game as captain after he replaced Nurul Hasan Sohan, with the change in leadership helping Rangpur arrest their slide.
Malan starred with a fluent 78 off 49 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes, while Hridoy provided ideal support with a 62 off 46 deliveries that included five fours and four sixes. The pair added 126 runs for the second wicket, laying the foundation for Rangpur’s imposing total of 181 for four after being sent in to bat.
Kyle Mayers added momentum with a brisk 24 off 16 balls, but Rangpur failed to fully capitalise at the death. After cruising at 158 for one in the 17th over, they managed just 23 runs in the final three overs, falling short of what could have been an even bigger total.
In reply, Rangpur pacer Nahid Rana was outstanding, claiming three wickets for just 11 runs from his four overs. Faheem Ashraf chipped in with two wickets as Dhaka were restricted to 170 for seven.
The defeat officially ended Dhaka’s playoff hopes, leaving them stranded on four points from nine matches.
Chasing a challenging target, Dhaka stumbled early as openers Abdullah Al Mamun (0) and Usman Khan (31 off 18 balls) were dismissed inside the first four overs, both falling to Ashraf. Nahid then ripped through the middle order, removing Saif Hassan (12), Sabbir Rahman (8) and Mohammad Mithun (25) to reduce Dhaka to 99 for six.
Mohammad Saifuddin mounted a late counterattack with an unbeaten 58 off 30 balls, including three sixes off left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan in the final over. However, his effort only narrowed the margin of defeat. Saifuddin had earlier impressed with the ball as well, returning figures of two for 33 from his four overs.
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