Match 9, Sylhet, January 06, 2025, 01:00 PM
Sylhet Strikers
205/4(20.0ov)
Rangpur Riders
210/2(19.0ov)
Rangpur Riders beat Sylhet Strikers by 8 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Alex Hales
Commentry
Right then, the Rangpur Riders have done the double over the Sylhet Strikers in an absolute run-fest where a total of 415 runs were scored. The opening day action in the Sylhet leg of the 2024/25 Bangladesh Premier League isn't done yet. One more game awaits as Fortune Barishal lock horns with Durbar Rajshahi. The clash is set to begin at 6 pm IST (12.30 pm GMT), but be sure to join us earlier for all the build-up. See you then. Cheers!
The captain of Rangpur Riders, Nurul Hasan lauds Alex Hales and Saif Hassan for the way they batted. Mentions that they backed themselves to chase down this target at the halfway mark. Shares that they knew that chasing was the better option on this wicket. Ends by thanking the crowd for their support.
Alex Hales is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his superb showing with the bat. He expresses his satisfaction with the game, enjoying the favourable wicket and short boundaries. He praises Saif Hassan for his brilliant support, highlighting Saif’s confident play against the left-arm spinner and impressive pull shots. Hales appreciates the enthusiastic fan support and the competitive nature of the league in Bangladesh, noting how much he enjoys playing cricket in the country.
Time for the presentation ceremony...
Earlier in the game, after being put into bat, Rony Talukdar gave the Strikers a blazing start. Following his departure, Zakir Hassan ensured the momentum was maintained. At the other end, Aaron Jones initially struggled but found his rhythm as the innings progressed, leading to a flurry of runs from both ends. Jaker Ali provided the finishing touches with a scintillating 5-ball 20, including three sixes, propelling the Strikers to an imposing total of 205. Mohammad Saifuddin was the standout bowler for the Riders, finishing with figures of 2 for 31 from his 4 overs.
In pursuit of 206 runs, the Riders' chase got off to a shaky start with Azizul Hakim Tamim dismissed early, as the Strikers' new-ball bowlers maintained control. However, once Alex Hales and Saif Hassan settled in, they began to dominate, regularly finding the boundary. Initially playing second fiddle in the partnership, Hales eventually took the bull by the horns as he brought up his second BPL fifty off just 54 balls. Ariful Haque was left searching for answers as he shuffled his bowlers in a desperate attempt to regain control, even bringing himself into the attack, but to no avail. Tanzim Hasan Sakib stood out as the lone bright spot, conceding just 23 runs from his 4 overs. The 186-run partnership between Hales and Saif, the fourth-highest in the tournament’s history, proved insurmountable as Sylhet had no answers to their brilliance.
Wow, what a chase! The Rangpur Riders have absolutely demolished the target of 206, leaving the home crowd stunned into silence. With this victory, the Riders have extended their unbeaten run to four wins in four matches in this edition. On the flip side, the Sylhet Strikers have suffered a crushing defeat in their very first game of the home leg, leaving them with plenty to ponder, especially with the ball.
In over# 19
6
6
2
1
6
0
Al-Amin Hossain 53/0(4)
18.6
6
SIX! Alex Hales does it in style! Over deep mid-wicket this time and Rangpur Riders remain unbeaten in this edition of BPL. Short again from Al-Amin Hossain at the batter and Alex Hales pulls it away for another six. Brilliant batting from Rangpur Riders as they win the match with 8 wickets and an over to spare.
18.5
6
SIX! BANG! Just 2 runs needed for the win now for the Rangpur Riders! Al-Amin Hossain drops the ball short on top of the stumps. Alex Hales takes the front foot out and slaps the ball up and over long on for another massive six.
18.4
2
Good length delivery on the stumps. Alex Hales flicks the ball to the right of deep square leg and runs a couple to bring up his second BPL HUNDERD! What an innings by him!
18.3
1
Hits the length on top of the off stump. Iftikhar Ahmed drives it hard to long on for a single.
18.2
6
SIX! BANG! 11 runs required now! Short ball on top of the stumps, slower delivery. Iftikhar Ahmed stands tall on the crease and pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a flat six.
18.1
.
Slower delivery just outside the off stump. Iftikhar Ahmed tucks it straight to point.
In over# 18
1
0W
1
4
1
2
Tanzim Hasan Sakib 23/2(4)
17.6
1
Slower bumper at the batter. Iftikhar Ahmed pulls it away to fine leg for a single to keep strike.
Iftikhar Ahmed is the new man in.
OUT! CAUGHT! The skipper Ariful Haque grabs an easy catch and breaks the partnership with 18 runs still required! Is there a twist in the game? Tanzim Hasan Sakib drops the length short, with pace at the batter. Saif Hassan moves away to play a pull shot. The batter is rushed on the shot and only manages to hit it up in the air towards long on. Ariful Haque does the rest for his team.
17.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! The skipper Ariful Haque grabs an easy catch and breaks the partnership with 18 runs still required! Is there a twist in the game? Tanzim Hasan Sakib drops the length short, with pace at the batter. Saif Hassan moves away to play a pull shot. The batter is rushed on the shot and only manages to hit it up in the air towards long on. Ariful Haque does the rest for his team.
17.4
1
Drops the length back at the batter. Alex Hales pulls the ball to deep mid-wicket for a run.