Rajshahi overcome off-field issues to edge out Rangpur

Durbar Rajshahi stunned Rangpur Riders with a dramatic 2-run win in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, despite a backdrop of off-field turmoil. 

The match saw Rajshahi fielding a team made up entirely of domestic players, as their overseas recruits boycotted the game over unpaid dues. This marked the first instance in BPL history of a team playing without foreign players.

Rajshahi's victory also handed Rangpur their second loss in 10 matches this season, both of which have come at the hands of Rajshahi. Despite the defeat, Rangpur, led by Nurul Hasan Sohan, has already secured a place in the Super Four.

Batting first, Rajshahi could only muster 119 runs for 9 wickets. Their top order faltered, with Jishan Alam, Sabbir Hossain, and Anamul Haque failing to make an impact. Yasir Rabbi and Mrittunjoy Chowdhury also departed cheaply, leaving the lower order to salvage the innings. Akbar Ali contributed 19, while Sunzamul Islam played a gritty knock of 28 off 29 balls to help Rajshahi post a modest total.

In response, Rangpur�s chase began disastrously as they were reduced to 29 for 5 and later 49 for 7. Rajshahi�s bowlers, led by some tight bowling and smart field placements, dominated the proceedings. However, Saifuddin and Rakibul Hasan refused to go down without a fight. Rakibul contributed 20 runs, but it was Saifuddin who gave Rangpur a glimmer of hope, smashing an explosive 52 runs off 31 balls, including six fours and three sixes.

With 25 runs needed off the final over, Saifuddin hit two consecutive sixes, rekindling Rangpur�s hopes. However, he couldn�t score off the next two deliveries, and despite hitting a four and another six off the final two balls, Rangpur fell just short, finishing at 117/8.

Rajshahi�s victory, their fifth in 11 matches, keeps their hopes alive for a spot in the Super Four.