Rajshahi end Rangpur’s unbeaten run to stay in playoff contention

Rangpur Riders' dominance in the ongoing BPL was finally halted as Durbar Rajshahi handed them their first defeat of the season.

With eight consecutive wins under their belt, Rangpur had already secured a playoff spot, but their streak came to an end on 23 January when Rajshahi secured a crucial 24-run victory in the 31st match of the tournament.

Batting first, Rajshahi set a target of 170 runs, and despite Rangpur's efforts, they were bowled out for 146 in 19.2 overs, keeping Rajshahi in the playoff race with their fourth win of the season.

Rangpur's chase got off to a disastrous start as their top order faltered. Irfan Sukkur was dismissed for a duck on just the second ball, while Steven Taylor managed only 4 runs off 10 deliveries before being sent back to the pavilion.

Iftikhar Ahmed fell for a golden duck, leaving Rangpur reeling at 15 for 3.

Saif Hassan tried to rebuild the innings with a composed 43 off 29 balls but found little support from the other end. Khushdil Shah chipped in with 14 off 13 balls but failed to capitalise on his start.

Saif was eventually caught at the boundary, leaving Rangpur in further trouble.

Nurul Hasan Sohan played a fighting knock, but his dismissal on the last ball of the 17th over by Ryan Burl proved to be the turning point.

With the lower order unable to provide the necessary support, Rangpur fell short by 24 runs, ending their innings at 146 with four balls remaining.

Ryan Burl was the standout performer for Rajshahi, taking 4 wickets and delivering a match-winning spell.

Taskin Ahmed and S.M. Meherab supported him with two wickets each, while Shafiul Islam and Sabbir Hossain picked up one wicket apiece.

Earlier in the match, Rajshahi opted to bat first after losing the toss and got off to a solid start. Mohammad Haris and Sabbir Hossain added quick runs, with Haris scoring 19 off 12 balls before being dismissed.

Sabbir continued the momentum with a fluent 39 off 19 deliveries before falling short of a fifty.

Yasir Ali Rabbi then took charge with an explosive knock, smashing 62 runs off just 32 balls, including a fifty off 27 deliveries.

His innings anchored Rajshahi to a competitive total, with support from Enamul Haque Bijoy, who contributed 34 off 31 balls.

Despite a middle-order collapse, where Akbar Ali (2), Sanjamul Haque (2), Taskin Ahmed (4), and S.M. Meherab (4) were dismissed cheaply, Shafiul Islam (2*) and Mohor Sheikh (3*) ensured Rajshahi finished on 170 runs, losing nine wickets in the process.