Rangpur Riders began their Sylhet phase campaign of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League on a disappointing note as they suffered a 28-run defeat to table-toppers Khulna Tigers at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a target of 161 runs, Rangpur lost their star batsman Babar Azam (two) in the first over before Khulna’s Mohammad Nawaz removed Rangpur’s another foreign recruit Brandon King (one) in the fourth over.

Shamim Hossain made 30 off 22 balls before he became Nawaz’s second victim and the dismissal of Shamim triggered a batting collapse in the Rangpur innings as they soon were reduced to 80-7 after Shakib Al Hasan (two) lost his wicket to Dasun Shanaka.

Rangpur’s Mohammad Nabi tried his level best to take their side to the victory line but his dismissal to Mohammad Wasim Jnr (2-31) in the penultimate over after making 50 off 30 balls ended Rangpur’s all hopes as they were bowled out for 132 runs in 18.4 overs.

Khulna’s Dasun Shanaka claimed 4-16 in three overs which helped his side clinch their third successive win in the tournament.

Earlier, despite getting reduced to 64-4, Khulna posted a challenging 160-6 in their 20 overs after being sent into bat first.

Khulna’s innings revival credit went to Nawaz and Shanaka who made 55 and 40 runs respectively and they also added 77 runs for the fifth wicket stand to give their side a decent total on board.

Rangpur’s Hasan Mahmud took 3-29 while Mahedi Hasan claimed 2-20.  

Rangpur will face Durdanto Dhaka in their next match at the same venue on Saturday.

BDST: 1827 HRS, JAN 26, 2024
MSK