In the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Rangpur Riders suffered their first defeat after eight matches. On Thursday, January 23, they were defeated by Durbar Rajshahi by 24 runs, thus ending their unbeaten run. With this victory, Durbar Rajshahi moved ahead of Khulna Tigers and Dhaka Capitals in the race for the playoffs.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat, Rajshahi posted 170 runs for 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Yasir Ali played a key knock, scoring 60 runs from 32 balls, including 6 sixes and 2 fours. Sabbir Hossain contributed with 39 runs from 19 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes), Enamul Haque made 32 from 31 balls, and Mohammad Haris added 19 runs off 12 balls. For Rangpur, Khushdil Shah and Akif Javed each took 3 wickets.
Chasing a target of 171, Rangpur lost 3 wickets within the first 15 runs. Steven Taylor (4 from 10 balls), Irfan Sukkur, and Iftekhar Ahmed (both out for 0) were dismissed cheaply. Saif Hassan and Khushdil Shah tried to stabilize the innings, but Saif was dismissed for 43 off 29 balls, which included 5 fours and 2 sixes. Captain Nurul Hasan Sohan fought on, scoring 41 off 26 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes. Despite Mohammad Saifuddin’s 23 off 14 balls, Rangpur could not reach the target and were all out for 146 in 19.2 overs.
Among Rajshahi’s bowlers, Ryan Burl was the standout, claiming 4 wickets for just 22 runs. Taskin Ahmed and SM Meherob took 2 wickets each.
This victory put Rajshahi in 4th place on the points table with 8 points from 10 matches. Rangpur, with 16 points from 9 matches, have secured a playoff spot. Fortune Barishal is in second place with 12 points from 8 matches, while Chittagong Kings sit third with 10 points from 9 matches. Dhaka Capitals (6 points), Khulna Tigers (6 points), and Sylhet Strikers (4 points) are still in contention for the playoffs, but their paths remain challenging.
