Tag: GSL 2025

PROVIDENCE: A fighting knock from Pakistan’s Iftikhar Ahmed went in vain as Guyana Amazon Warriors outclassed Rangpur Riders by 32 runs to lift the Global Super League (GSL) 2025 trophy on Friday.

Chasing a daunting target of 197, Rangpur Riders were bundled out for 164 in 19.5 overs despite Iftikhar’s counterattacking 46 off 29 balls.

The right-hander smashed four sixes and a boundary during his knock, keeping his side in the hunt after an early collapse left them reeling at 29-3.

Iftikhar stitched a crucial 73-run stand with Saif Hassan, who made 41 off 26 balls, but both fell in quick succession, and the Riders couldn’t recover.

Mahidul Islam Ankon chipped in with a quickfire 30 off 17, but the lower-order crumbled under pressure, with seven batters failing to reach double figures.

Dwaine Pretorius led the way with the ball for Guyana, grabbing 3-37, while Imran Tahir and Gudakesh Motie picked up two wickets apiece.

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Earlier, after opting to bat first, Guyana Amazon Warriors piled up 196-4 on the back of a brutal 121-run partnership between Johnson Charles and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Charles cracked 67 off 48 balls with 11 fours and a six before retiring hurt, while Gurbaz hammered 66 from just 38 deliveries, featuring six fours and four sixes.

Romario Shepherd provided the late fireworks with a blistering 28 off nine balls, including three sixes and a four, while Sherfane Rutherford added 19.

Rangpur’s bowling struggled to contain the onslaught, although Iftikhar was tidy with the ball as well, conceding only 12 runs in his two overs and picking up a wicket. Khaleel Ahmed and Tabraiz Shamsi also claimed a wicket each.

Gurbaz was named Player of the Match for his explosive half-century, while Imran Tahir, who took 14 wickets in the tournament, bagged the Player of the Tournament award.

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GUYANA: Pakistan’s seasoned all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed helped defending champions Rangpur Riders begin their Global Super League (GSL) 2025 campaign with a thrilling victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, skipper Nurul Hasan’s side posted a competitive 162 for 5 in their 20 overs.

Opening batter Soumya Sarkar anchored the innings with a patient 35 runs off 36 balls.

However, after his dismissal, Kyle Mayers, who came in to bat at number three, witnessed a collapse at the other end as the Riders slipped to 86 for 5.

Iftikhar then joined Mayers, and together they rescued Rangpur Riders with an unbeaten partnership of 76 runs from just 43 balls.

Mayers top-scored with 44* off 31 with the help of three boundaries and two sixes, while Iftikhar smashed an unbeaten 34 off just 21 deliveries, laced with two sixes and as many fours.

For the Amazon Warriors, veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie shared two wickets each, while South African all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius chipped in with one.

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In reply, the Imran Tahir-led Guyana side showed early promise but couldn’t cross the line, getting bowled out for 154 in 19.1 overs.

Johnson Charles top-scored with a fluent 40 off 28 balls, while Moeen Ali (27 off 18) and Sherfane Rutherford (19 off 13) kept the chase alive.

Pretorius and Jewel Andrew also chipped in with 14 runs each, but none of the other batters could capitalise.

Rangpur’s Khaled Ahmed was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 for 36 in a match-defining spell.

He was ably supported by Tabraiz Shamsi and Azmatullah Omarzai, who picked up two wickets each.

Iftikhar Ahmed also made an impact with the ball, taking the key wicket of Jewel Andrew in his only over.

Earlier in the day, the tournament kicked off with Dubai Capitals registering a 22-run win over New Zealand’s Central Districts in the opening fixture of GSL 2025.

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