Rajshahi, having lost their previous two games, achieved their fourth victory of the campaign. Chasing a target of 171 runs, Rangpur’s hopes were held up by their captain, Nurul Hasan Sohan. As long as he was at the crease, the team remained in contention.
However, his dismissal for 41 runs off the final ball of the 17th over ended Rangpur’s chances. Mohammad Saifuddin contributed a valuable 23 runs towards the end, helping to reduce the margin of defeat.
Rangpur’s chase started poorly, losing three wickets for just 15 runs. Saifuddin, promoted to number three, attempted to stabilize the innings but was dismissed for 43 runs. The team faced further setbacks, and despite Sohan’s efforts, they couldn’t recover.
Rajshahi, led by Taskin Ahmed, celebrated their first win under his captaincy, largely due to an impressive bowling performance from Ryan Burl. Although the Zimbabwean leg-spinner scored a golden duck with the bat, he excelled with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 22 runs. Burl’s outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Earlier, Rajshahi posted a competitive total of 170 runs for 9 wickets, driven by Yasir Ali Rabbi’s explosive half-century. Yasir added 76 runs for the fourth wicket alongside Anamul Haque Bijoy.
Yasir top-scored with 60 runs off 32 balls, hitting six sixes and two fours at a strike rate of 187.67. Bijoy contributed a steady 34 runs, while Sabbir Hossain made a quick-fire 39 runs off 19 balls at a strike rate of 205.26.
For Rangpur, Pakistani bowlers Khushdil Shah and Akif Javed stood out, each taking three wickets.This victory keeps Rajshahi’s playoff hopes alive, while Rangpur will aim to bounce back in their next match.
