Rangpur Riders produced a composed all-round performance to defeat Dhaka Dominators by 11 runs in a competitive Bangladesh Premier League encounter, successfully defending a strong total and holding their nerve under late pressure.
Batting first, Rangpur Riders posted 181/4 in 20 overs, building their innings around a dominant top-order display. The foundation was laid by a commanding partnership between Dawid Malan and Towhid Hridoy, which set the tone for the innings. Malan was the standout, scoring a fluent 78 off 49 balls, striking the ball cleanly through the off side and clearing the ropes with authority. Hridoy played the perfect supporting role, contributing 62 off 46 deliveries, rotating strike smartly and punishing loose bowling.
The pair added over a hundred runs for the second wicket, allowing Rangpur to control the middle overs. After their departures, Rangpur slightly slowed but still finished strongly. Kyle Mayers chipped in with 24 off 16 balls, providing late momentum, while quick singles and boundary hits in the final overs ensured the Riders crossed the 180 mark. Dhaka’s bowlers kept things respectable at the death, with disciplined spells preventing Rangpur from reaching an even bigger total.
Chasing 182 to win, Dhaka Dominators ended on 170/7, falling just short despite a spirited fightback. Their innings started aggressively, with early intent suggesting the target was well within reach. However, regular wickets in the powerplay and middle overs disrupted their rhythm and prevented any long, stabilising partnerships.
Dhaka’s chase gained new life in the latter stages thanks to Mohammad Saifuddin, who played a powerful knock of 58 not out off 30 balls. Saifuddin launched a late assault, striking boundaries and sixes to keep Dhaka in the hunt when the required rate began to climb. Imad Wasim added 20 off 14 balls, briefly raising hopes of a dramatic finish, but the asking rate ultimately proved too steep.
Rangpur’s bowlers executed their plans well under pressure. Nahid Rana delivered a match-defining spell, finishing with figures of 3/11, using pace and accuracy to choke the run flow and pick up crucial wickets. Faheem Ashraf claimed 2 wickets, while the rest of the attack focused on tight lines, especially in the final overs, ensuring Dhaka never fully seized momentum.
Despite Dhaka’s late surge, Rangpur’s early dominance with both bat and ball proved decisive. The Riders’ ability to build a solid batting platform and then strike at key moments during the chase made the difference in a closely fought contest.
The victory strengthens Rangpur Riders’ position in the BPL standings and highlights their growing consistency as the tournament progresses. For Dhaka Dominators, the defeat will sting, particularly after coming so close, but the fight shown in the chase offers positives to build on for upcoming matches.
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