After losing three matches in a row, Rangpur Riders were facing growing uncertainty. But Dawid Malan, Towhid Hridoy and Nahid Rana ensured it did not escalate. Powered by their strong performances, Rangpur Riders defeated Dhaka Capitals to confirm a place in the playoffs.
In Saturday afternoon’s match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Rangpur beat Dhaka by 11 runs.
Batting first, Rangpur posted a competitive total of 181 in 20 overs by losing 4 wickets, with half-centuries from Malan and Hridoy. In reply, Dhaka failed to go beyond 170 as Nahid Rana led Rangpur’s bowling attack.
Dawid Malan smashed 78 runs off 49 balls while Towhid Hridoy scored 62 runs from 46 balls.
Dhaka’s Mohammad Saifuddin was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Maruf Mridha picked up one wicket each.
In the second innings, pace bowler Saifuddin played a fighting knock of 58 off 30 balls, with opener Usman Khan contributing 31 from 18 deliveries.
For Rangpur, Nahid Rana led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Faheem Ashraf chipped in with two.
This was Rangpur’s fifth win in nine matches, making them the fourth team to qualify for the playoffs. Dhaka, who managed only two wins from nine matches, were officially knocked out of the tournament. Before Rangpur, Rajshahi Warriors, Chattogram Royals and Sylhet Titans had already secured their playoff berths.
bd-pratidin/GR
