Rangpur Riders Archives

Chris Woakes’ last-ball six sends Sylhet Titans into BPL Qualifier 2

MIRPUR: Chris Woakes held his nerve under pressure, smashing a six off the final delivery to guide Sylhet Titans to a dramatic victory over Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 Eliminator at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a modest target of 112, the Titans sealed the contest on the final ball, with Woakes clearing the ropes off Faheem Ashraf to complete a tense run chase and book a place in Qualifier 2.

Sylhet will now face the losing side of Qualifier 1 between Rajshahi Warriors and Chattogram Royals.

The chase began shakily for the Titans as they lost an early wicket, but Parvez Hossain Emon (18) and Ariful Islam (17) steadied the innings with a 36-run partnership for the second wicket.

Later, Sam Billings and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz adopted a cautious approach, adding 50 runs for the middle order.

Billings top-scored with 29, while Miraz chipped in with a valuable 18 as Sylhet inched closer to the target.

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The match came down to a tense final over, with nine runs needed and Faheem Ashraf entrusted with the ball.

Faheem conceded two runs off the first delivery before bowling two dot balls to swing the momentum back in Rangpur’s favour. Moeen Ali was dismissed on the fourth ball, leaving Sylhet needing seven runs from the final two deliveries.

Woakes, however, rose to the occasion and launched the final delivery for a six, sparking celebrations in the Sylhet camp and ending Rangpur’s campaign.

Earlier, Rangpur Riders struggled with the bat and were restricted to 111-9 in their 20 overs, courtesy of a disciplined bowling display by the Titans.

Mahmudullah was the top scorer with a composed 33 off 26 balls, hitting two boundaries and two sixes. Khushdil Shah provided late impetus with a brisk 30 off 19 deliveries, including three sixes, while Nurul Hasan added 18.

Khaled Ahmed led the attack with impressive figures of 4 for 14, while Woakes and Nasum Ahmed picked up two wickets apiece.

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Parvez Hossain Emon guides Sylhet Titans to victory over Rangpur Riders

SYLHET: Parvez Hossain Emon’s unbeaten 52 powered Sylhet Titans to a six-wicket win over Rangpur Riders in a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 clash here on Monday.

Titans captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s decision to field first paid immediate dividends as Rangpur Riders stumbled to 27-3 inside the first five overs.

Litton Das fought briefly with 22 off 12 balls, while Pakistan’s Iftikhar Ahmed struggled for 17 off 20 deliveries.

Khushdil Shah top-scored for the Riders with 30 off 24, and Mahmudullah contributed 29 off 23, but the visitors were eventually bowled out for 114 in 19.1 overs.

Nasum Ahmed and Shohidul Islam led the Titans’ bowling attack with three wickets apiece, while Moeen Ali chipped in with two.

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In reply, Sylhet Titans got off to a solid start with an opening partnership of 54 between Tawfique Khan and Parvez Hossain Emon.

Sufiyan Muqeem broke the stand by removing Tawfique for 33 off 22, but Emon anchored the innings alongside contributions from Ariful Islam (21 off 26) and Afif Hossain (12).

Emon’s composed 52 off 41 balls, which included three sixes and three fours, guided Sylhet to a six-wicket victory with 15 balls to spare.

The win propelled Sylhet Titans to second place in the BPL points table, while Rangpur Riders remained fourth with four wins from eight games.

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Khushdil, Mustafizur shine in last-over thriller for Rangpur Riders

SYLHET: All-round Khushdil Shah and an impressive final over from pacer Mustafizur Rahman helped Rangpur Riders seal a thrilling five-run victory over Dhaka Capitals in the 12th fixture of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26.

Set 156, Capitals fell short by five runs at the end of their 20 overs, with 10 required on the last six balls.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Abdullah Al Mamun provided a solid start with 54 on the board in the first six overs.

However, Kyle Mayers and Khushdil Shah removed both batters in consecutive overs to put Dhaka Capitals back into the game.

Gurbaz made 31 from 22 with the aid of five fours and six, while Mamun hit four boundaries in his 20 off 18.

Despite the wickets, Mohammad Mithun and Saif Hassan were able to lift their side out of trouble as they added 51 for the third wicket partnership. The pair composed a batting partnership that brought the score to 111 in 15.1 overs.

Saif made 15 from 24 balls, an innings without a single boundary.

Meanwhile, Mithun managed to string a couple of partnerships, first wiht Shamim Hossain and then with Sabbir Rahman, that brought them near the target.

But it was an impressive final over from Mustafizur that turned the match on its head.

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With 10 required of six, Mustafizur started with a single, followed by two dots on the next two deliveries. The left-arm pacer gave nothing away in the next three balls as Sabbir and Mithun could only take three singles.

For Rangpur Riders, Khushdil Shah, Kyle Mayers, Mustafizur Rahman, and Al Islam picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, put into bat first, Rangpur Riders were limited to 155-5 in their 20 overs.

Dhaka Capitals bowlers put Riders in early trouble as they were reduced to 30-3 in 5.2 overs.

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But it was Dawid Malan’s and Mahmudullah’s 74-run stand that laid the foundation for a competitive total.

The stand eventually ended with Malan’s wicket, the scorecard reading 104-4 in 14.2 overs.

Mahmudullah, meanwhile, continued on and scored a half-century before getting caught in the 17th over. The right-handed batter made 51 off 41 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

Khushdil, on the other hand, provided Riders’ innings with a s late flourish, scoring a brisk 38* off 21, which included two sixes and four boundaries.

For Dhaka Capitals, Ziaur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers as he took two wickets in his quota of four overs.

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Faheem’s five-for powers Rangpur Riders to victory over Chattogram Royals

SYLHET: Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf delivered a devastating spell with the ball to steer Rangpur Riders to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Chattogram Royals in the fifth match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 here on Monday.

Asked to bat first, Chattogram Royals never found momentum and were bundled out for 102 in 17.5 overs.

Opener Mohammad Naim provided the only real resistance, smashing a brisk 39 off just 20 balls, laced with seven boundaries and a six.

Mirza Baig added 20 from 24 deliveries, but the rest of the batting unit folded cheaply as Rangpur’s bowlers tightened the noose.

Faheem was the standout performer, ripping through the Royals’ middle and lower order with sensational figures of 5 for 17 in 3.5 overs.

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He was well supported by Mustafizur Rahman, who picked up two wickets, while Nahid Rana, Al Islam and Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with a wicket apiece to ensure Chattogram never recovered.

Rangpur’s chase was equally authoritative. Openers Dawid Malan and Litton Das put the result beyond doubt with a fluent 91-run stand at the top.

Litton fell for 47 off 31 balls, striking four fours and two sixes, while Malan anchored the innings with a composed 51 from 48 deliveries, including five boundaries and a pair of sixes.

Although Mukidul Islam briefly lifted Chattogram’s hopes with figures of 2 for 5 in two overs, Rangpur Riders remained in complete control

Khushdil Shah and Mahmudullah calmly finished the job, guiding the Riders home in 15 overs to seal a comprehensive victory.

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Iftikhar’s effort in vain as Guyana crush Rangpur to clinch GSL 2025 title

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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All-round Iftikhar Ahmed powers Rangpur Riders into GSL final

GUYANA: Iftikhar Ahmed’s all-round performance, followed by Saif Hassan’s hat-trick, helped Rangpur Riders defeat Dubai Capitals by eight runs to seal a spot in the final of the Global Super League (GSL) 2025 here at the Providence Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a partly 159-run target, Dubai Capitals innings folded on 150 in 19.2 overs.

Rangpur Riders bowled wreak havoc with the new ball, dismantling Dubai Capitals’ top-order as they were reduced to 28-3 inside five overs.

Kadeem Alleyne (1) was the one to go, bowled by Kyle Maylers while skipper Gulbadin Naib was sent packing for a golden duck. Niroshan Dickwella’s (9) short stay at the crease was ended by Saif Hasan.

After early hiccups, Sediqullah Atal partnered with Sanjay Krishnamurthi in a bid to steady Dubai Capitals in the chase. The duo added 48 48-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing the score to 76 at the halfway mark of the innings.

However, Sanjay Krishnamurthi’s wicket triggered a collapse that Dubai Capitals could not recover from. The right-hander’s 27 off 22 balls featured a four and a six.

Experienced Shakib Al Hasan (3) and top scorer Sediqullah Atal (38 off 31 balls) went in quick succession as Riders derailed Capitals’ chase.

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With 74 runs required from 42 balls, it was always a herculean task; however, Dominic Drakes and Jesse Bootan partnered for a quick-fire 30 runs to give their team some hope.

The stand culminated in the 16th over as Jesse Bootan (15 off 11 balls) was run out. Riders tightened the screws in the final overs, not before Qais Ahmed’s scare as they reduced Capitals to 130-8 in 17.3 overs.

With 28 required of 12 balls, Qais Ahmed struck two sixes and a four off his compatriot Azmatullah Omarzai’s 19th over before getting dismissed.

Dubai Capitals required 9 runs from 6 balls, but Dominic Drakes removed Ibrahim Zadran on the second ball of the over to seal Rangpur Riders a spot in the final.

For Ranpur Riders, Saif Hassan was the standout bowler, picking up three wickets. Khaled Ahmed scalped two while Iftikhar Ahmed chipped in with one wicket.

Earlier, opting to bat first, Rangpur Riders posted 158-5 in their allocated 20 overs, thanks to Iftikhar Ahmed and Nurul Hasan’s unbeaten stand of 54 runs.

Iftikhar Ahmed struck three fours and two sixes on his way to 41* off 32 balls. Nurul 34* off 18 deliveries laced with the same amount of boundaries ensured that Ranpur Riders finished strong at the back end of the innings.

Iftikhar Ahmed was named as the Player of the Match for his all-round performance.

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GSL 2025: Iftikhar Ahmed stars as Rangpur Riders edge past Guyana Amazon Warriors

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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Three Pakistani players join Rangpur Riders for Global Super League 2025

Pakistan trio Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, and Khawaja Nafay are all set to feature for Rangpur Riders in the upcoming Guyana Global Super League (GSL) 2025, scheduled from July 10 to 18.

Iftikhar, who has already showcased his T20 prowess in the BPL and LPL, will bring valuable firepower to the middle order.

Akif adds left-arm pace depth, while Nafay, currently making waves as an emerging batting prospect, enters his second overseas league after two BPL stints.

Rangpur Riders staged a remarkable turnaround in the last season, recovering from three straight losses to win their next three and lift the inaugural GSL trophy.

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For 2025, the franchise has retained several key names, including captain Nurul Hasan Sohan, leading run-scorer Soumya Sarkar, and strike bowler Kamrul Islam Rabbi.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to 13 players for various overseas leagues, with Khawaja Nafay already cleared for GSL participation.

NOCs for Iftikhar Ahmed and Akif Javed are expected shortly.

Meanwhile, Saud Shakeel will turn out for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, while Mohammad Nawaz and Sahibzada Farhan have been picked by the Hobart Hurricanes.

GSL 2025 Squads

Rangpur Riders: Nurul Hasan Sohan, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Naim Sheikh, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Abu Haider Rony, Rakibul Hasan, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ibrahim Zadran, Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Harmeet Singh, Khawaja Nafay

Guyana Amazon Warriors: Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles, Moeen Ali, Shimron Hetmyer, Saud Shakeel, Romario Shepherd, Dwain Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hossein, Ramanullah Gurbaz, Mark Adair, Jewel Andrew, Shamar Springer, Amir Jangoo.

Hobart Hurricanes: Ben McDermott, Billy Stanlake, Nikhil Chaudhary, Jackson Bird, Tim Ward, Jake Doran, Raf MacMillan, Marcus Bean, Mac Wright, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammed Nawaz, Mohammed Nabi, Odean Smith.

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BPL 2025: Mohammad Naim’s century propels Khulna Tigers to victory over Rangpur Riders

MIRPUR: Mohammad Naim’s blazing century steered Khulna Tigers to a 46-run victory over Rangpur Riders in the 39th match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) here at Shere Bangla National Stadium on Thursday.

After choosing to bat first, Khulna Tigers posted a mammoth total of 220 runs at the loss of four wickets in their 20 overs.

Naim was the star of the match, scoring a brilliant 111* runs on 62 balls with the help of eight sixes and seven fours. The centurion alongside captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz put on a 32-run partnership for the first wicket.

Miraz was dismissed for a well-made 21 by Mahedi Hasan but Mohammad Naim held on to the other end.

He was joined by William Bosisto (36) and they formed an 88-run partnership for the third wicket which took their team into a commanding position.

After Bosisto’s dismissal, Naim alongside Mahidul Islam Ankon (29) forged a 70-run partnership to lift Khulna Tigers to post 220 runs.

Mahedi Hasan, Akif Javed and Iftikhar Ahmed took one wicket apiece for Rangpur Riders.

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While chasing a big total, the Rangpur Riders lost two wickets in the powerplay and were struggling at 36-2. Their opener Tawfique Khan (9) was out LBW by Nasum Ahmed while Saif Hassan (6) was run out courtesy of brilliant fielding by Mohammad Nawaz.

However, the experienced duo of Soumya Sarkar and Iftikhar Ahmed (19) put on a 36-run partnership for the third wicket to keep the team in the hunt.

Sarkar held on to one end, while wickets were tumbling on the other end, and scored his first half-century of BPL, giving a glimmer of hope to Rangpur Riders.

Sarkar scored 74 runs from 48 balls with the help of six boundaries and five sixes, however, he could not take his team across the line, falling in the final over. Rangpur Riders only managed to score 174 runs in their allocated 20 overs.

Musfik was the pick of bowlers, who took 3-24 in his four overs while Mohammad Nawaz bagged two wickets.

After an impressive eight-match winning streak that secured their playoff spot, this was Rangpur Riders’ fourth consecutive loss in the BPL.

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Soumya Sarkar steers Rangpur Riders to GSL 2024 title victory

GUYANA: Soumya Sarkar played an unbeaten 86-run knock to steer Rangpur Riders to a 56-run victory over Victoria in the final of the Global Super League (GSL) 2024 here at Providence Stadium on Friday.

Rangpur Riders, after opting to bat first, posted a challenging 178-3, courtesy of Sarkar and Steven Taylor’s half-centuries.

Sarkar and Taylor constructed a dominant opening stand of 124 runs before Karima Gore removed the latter on the final ball of the 14th over.

Taylor departed after scoring a quick 68-run knock from 49 balls with the help of four boundaries and four sixes.

New batters could not pose much threat to Victoria bowlers, but Sarkar remained firm and played an unbeaten knock of 86 off 54, laced with seven boundaries and five sixes.

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For Victoria, Gore, Dominic Drakes and Max Birthisel bagged one wicket each.

However, the 179-run target proved too much for Victoria as they were bundled for 122 in 18.1 overs.

Joe Clarke was the only batter who challenged Rangpur Riders bowlers with a 22-ball 40, featuring seven boundaries. Blake Macdonald was the second-highest run-scorer for Victoria with 16 off 15.

Harmeet Singh was the chief destroyer for Rangpur Riders, taking three wickets. Rishad Hossain, Saif Hassan and Mahedi Hasan took two wickets each.

Rangpur Riders Playing XI: Steven Taylor, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Wayne Madsen, Nurul Hasan (c)(wk), Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Harmeet Singh, Rishad Hossain, Zak Chappell, Kamrul Islam

Victoria Playing XI: Blake Macdonald, Joe Clarke, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Jonathan Wells, Scott Edwards (wk), Corey Anderson (c), Karima Gore, Max Birthisel, Dominic Drakes, Callum Stow, Jackson Smith

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