Rajshahi snap Rangpur’s winning streak in BPL

Chattogram, 23 Jan- Rangpur Riders’ eight-match winning streak in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) finally came to an end when they tasted a 24-run defeat to Durbar Rajshahi at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here today.

Despite the defeat, Rangpur still top the point table with 16 points from nine matches. Nurul Hasan Sohan-led side was bowled out for 146 in 19.2 overs after Rajshahi put up 170-9, thanks to a blistering 32 ball-60 from Yasir Ali Chowdhury.

Saif Hassan and skipper Sohan were the only two to make some resistance amid a disciplined bowling effort of Rajshahi, led by its captain Taskin Ahmed.

The fast bowler ended with 2-22, to take his wicket-tally to 22 in this season, meaning he needs only two wickets to eclipse Shakib Al Hasan as the highest wicket-taker for a season of BPL.

But Ryan Burl was the highest wicket-taker for Rajshahi in this match with 4-22, which was his career-best bowling figure in this format. Burl took the crucial wicket of Sohan before taking out Mohammad Saifuddin to throw Rangpur out of the game. 

Rangpur made a disastrous start, being reduced to 15-3 after losing the likes of Steven Taylor, Irfan Shukkur and Iftikhar Ahmed—all for single digit figure. 

The crisis further deepened when Sabbir Hossain got the better of in form Khushdil Shah for 14. Saif Hassan who kept the runs flowing amid the wickets tumbling was dismissed by Shafiul Islam after making team-high 29 ball-43 with five fours and two sixes.

Burl then got into act with the wicket of Mahedi Hasan before Sohan put up a resistance that kept Rangpur alive in the match. But he top-edged a delivery of Burl to offer a catch at deep square-leg after hitting 41 off 26 with four fours and two sixes.

Burl and Taskin then cleaned up the tail to end Rangpur’s winning run and gave the side fourth victory in 10th matches.

Earlier, Yasir utilized the platform well set by Sabbir Hossain who made 19 ball-39 with four fours and three sixes. Sabbir replaced Jishan Alam in the opening spot and instantly made impact by giving the side a rapid start even though his fellow opener Mohammad Haris was out for 19.

Khushdil Shah brought back Rangpur into the contest with a double strike, removing Sabbir and Ryan Burl in consecutive deliveries.

Yasir then held firm, ably supported by Anamul Haque Bijoy as the duo added 76 runs for the fourth wicket that gave them a glimmer of hope to go past 200.

However that was not to be with Khushdil breaking through with the wicket of Yasir who smashed two fours and six sixes in his knock.

Pacer Akif Javed joined the party and sparked a sensational collapse that saw Rajshahi losing six wickets for 13 runs. 

Both Khushdil and Akif claimed three wickets apiece.BSS